Brendan Fraser, a Hollywood icon for over two decades, has achieved the highly coveted Best Actor Oscar at the 95th Academy Awards, a result that has left many in shock due to their lack of expectation of him winning. Nonetheless, his portrayal of Charlie, a character grappling with a series of health issues due to severe obesity, in the critically acclaimed film, The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky, has received widespread praise from both audiences and critics alike.
The Whale, based on Samuel D. Hunter’s 2012 play of the same name, has been unanimously praised by critics, with Fraser’s performance being described as “career-defining”. The film premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival, where it received a standing ovation, and has since become one of the most acclaimed films of the year. Fraser’s performance, in particular, has been singled out for praise, with critics commending his ability to convey an array of emotions through his physicality, which is a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft.
Fraser, whose career has had its fair share of ups and downs, has been experiencing something of a comeback in recent years, receiving critical acclaim for his performances in indie films such as No Sudden Move and Killers of the Flower Moon. He was also praised for his role in the 2018 television series, Trust. Nonetheless, The Whale is widely regarded as his best work in years, if not ever.
Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions to Fraser’s win, with some expressing disbelief and skepticism, as many had considered other actors, such as Benedict Cumberbatch for The Power of the Dog or Will Smith for King Richard, more likely contenders for the award. Fraser’s win, however, is not without precedent. In recent years, the Academy has demonstrated a willingness to recognize actors who have been overlooked in the past. For instance, Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar in 2016 for The Revenant, after years of being snubbed by the Academy. Similarly, Olivia Colman won Best Actress for her performance in The Favourite in 2019, beating out more established actors like Glenn Close.
Fraser’s win comes amid a growing debate in Hollywood about diversity and inclusivity, where the Academy has been chastised for overlooking actors of color and women in prominent categories. While Fraser, a white male, does not belong to an underrepresented group in Hollywood, his win does demonstrate the Academy’s growing willingness to recognize actors who may have been previously overlooked.
During his acceptance speech, Fraser thanked his director, Darren Aronofsky, and his fellow nominees, highlighting the challenges of portraying a character so physically different from himself. He concluded his speech by proclaiming, “I hope this film can serve as a reminder that we are all human beings, no matter what we look like or how much we weigh.” Fraser also thanked his family, stating, “I couldn’t have done this without the love and support of my family. They have been my rock throughout my career, and I am so grateful to have them in my life.”
Fraser’s win has sparked a broader conversation about the state of the film industry, with some believing that the fact that he was not considered a front-runner speaks to a larger problem with how Hollywood values certain types of performances over others. However, his performance in The Whale challenged that assumption and may signal a change in the way Hollywood perceives certain performances.
The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging and established performers being recognized for their work. The concepts of perplexity and burstiness, which refer to the complexity and variation of text, are highly relevant in this context, as they are essential to captivating and engaging audiences in a world where the demand for quality entertainment is ever-increasing. Fraser’s win for The Whale is a long overdue recognition of his talent and versatility as an actor, and it is highly likely that we will be seeing a lot more of him in the coming years.
In conclusion, Brendan Fraser’s win for Best Actor at the 95th Academy Awards for his role in The Whale is a significant achievement, especially for an actor who has faced ups and downs in his career. The film’s critical acclaim and Fraser’s performance have been widely praised, with his win highlighting the Academy’s growing willingness to recognize actors who have been previously overlooked. Moreover, Fraser’s win has sparked a broader conversation about the state of the film industry and the value placed on certain types of performances. The concepts of perplexity and burstiness are highly relevant in this context, as they are essential to captivating and engaging audiences in a world where the demand for quality entertainment is ever-increasing. Fraser’s win serves as a reminder that the entertainment industry is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging and established performers being recognized for their work.
