Brendan Fraser gets emotional after major Critics' Choice Awards win

Los Angeles, California - On the heels of a loss at the Golden Globes, The Whale star Brendan Fraser has cemented his Hollywood comeback.
Brendan Fraser took home the prize for best actor for his role as Charlie in The Whale.
Brendan Fraser took home the prize for best actor for his role as Charlie in The Whale.  © Collage: EMMA MCINTYRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP & KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

The 54-year-old won best actor at Sunday's Critics' Choice Awards, beating Golden Globes winner Austin Butler and other impressive competitors.

During his tearful acceptance speech, Fraser honored his costars and thanked director Darren Aronofsky for helping to guide him in his career comeback.

"I was in the wilderness, and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you found me, and like all the best directors, you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be," he said.

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The Mummy star also referenced his character's journey in the film as he told the audience, "I want you to know that if you, too, can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light, good things will happen."

Fraser's emotional comeback was a hot topic this awards season, and his win at the Critics' Choice Awards just may prove he's the one to beat at the Academy Awards.

Brendan Fraser emerges as Academy Awards Frontrunner

Ke Huy Quan (l) and Brendan Fraser have both made impressive comebacks this awards season after previous career struggles.
Ke Huy Quan (l) and Brendan Fraser have both made impressive comebacks this awards season after previous career struggles.  © MATT WINKELMEYER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Fraser was notably absent from the Golden Globes last week despite his nomination.

In 2018, he came forward with allegations that Philip Berk, former president of the Globes' host organization Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), sexually assaulted him in 2003. Fraser's decision to speak out about the assault resulted in him being blacklisted in the industry for years.

Though Butler's role in Elvis is perfect critic fodder, it's worth acknowledging that Fraser's willingness to speak up about these allegations may have affected his chances at the ceremony.

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Going into the most coveted award ceremony of all, Fraser might have solidified his position as the Oscars front-runner with his Critics Choice win.

Amid the seemingly endless awards season press, the Doom Patrol actor has been open about how meaningful his success has been after many years of struggle. The love Fraser has received from other actors has been palpable, especially Everything Everywhere All at Once star Ke Huy Quan.

Like Fraser, Quan also overcame recent career setbacks with an acclaimed performance this awards season, and the 51-year-old paid homage to Fraser in the press room after his own win at the Critics Choice Awards.

"He put his hand on my shoulder and he said this: 'Ke, we're still here,'" Quan said. "I will never forget those three words."

Whether Fraser's comeback will culminate in an Academy Award remains to be seen, but things certainly look promising.

Cover photo: Collage: EMMA MCINTYRE / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP & KEVIN WINTER / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP

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