Brendan Fraser talks Oscar win, gay character in ‘The Whale’
14.03.2023 - 12:13
/ qvoicenews.com
Brendan Fraser is the sixth heterosexual man to win a best actor Oscar for portraying a gay man.
Fraser took home the gold statue on Sunday at the 95th Academy Awards for his role in “The Whale.”
Fraser plays Charlie, a 600-pound reclusive gay English professor who gained weight after his lover’s death. Charlie struggles with his health and tries to reconnect with his daughter. Charlie is estranged from his family after he falls in love with a man.
Darren Aronofsky directed “The Whale,” and has defended having Fraser wear a fatsuit. Earlier in the evening, Adrien Morot, Judy Chin and Annemarie Bradley won the best makeup and hairstyling Oscar for “The Whale.”
The film is based on Samuel D. Hunter’s 2012 stage play of the same name.
Brendan Fraser is ushered backstage after winning the Oscar for best actor during the 95th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on Sunday. Photo: Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Fraser tearfully accepted the award to thunderous applause and a standing ovation. He thanked director Darrin Aronofsky for “throwing him a creative lifeline and hauling him aboard ‘The Whale.’”
Fraser also acknowledged Hong Chau (who was nominated for best supporting actress for her role of Liz, Charlie’s nurse and friend). “Only whales can swim at the depth of the talent of Hong Chau,” Fraser said.
He finished his acceptance speech by thanking his sons and wife.
Moments after winning the Oscar, Brendan Fraser went backstage to the press room, where he fielded questions.
A reporter from Out magazine told Fraser that he’s had a lot of gay fans during his career, and that “the gays love you.”
The room burst into applause and whistles.
Fraser chuckled, and a voice in the crowd yelled, “It’s