Brendan Fraser's Emotional Acceptance Speech Leaves Audience In Tears At Critics Choice Awards

Chukwudi Onyewuchi
Canadian-American actor Brendan Fraser
Getty | Jeff Kravitz

Canadian-American Actor Brendan Fraser is one man who has enjoyed an amazing career in entertainment. His impact on the movie industry has been rewarded with various recognitions, including awards. Recently, the actor added another award to his collection, leaving many in tears with his acceptance speech. Here are the details of the story.

Brendan Bags The Best Actor Award

At the 2023 Critics Choice Awards, Brendan won the Best Actor Award for his role in The Whale, beating several titan performances, including Austin Butler, nominated for Elvis, and Colin Farrell for The Banshees of Inisherin.

The Actor Was Moved To Tears

In a Twitter video that captured Brendan's reaction to his name being called out, the Hollywood actor was filled with joy, hugging the audience members around him. At some point, Brendan was so overwhelmed with emotions that he burst into tears.

Brendan Gave An Uplifting Speech

However, the actor's reaction wasn't the only lovely thing about that night. Brendan managed to move the audience to tears with his words while collecting the award. The actor began his speech with a joke, referencing American Writer Herman Melville.

Details Of Brendan's Speech

In his words:

"It was Herman Melville who once wrote that there are only five critics in America – the rest are asleep. I don't know what it means, either, but I'm sure glad you woke up for me."

Brendan Had Immense Support On Set

Next, Brendan revealed how lucky he was to work with an incredible ensemble on The Whale, which he described as a film about love, redemption, and "finding the light in a dark place."

Brendan Shows Gratitude To His Co-stars

Brendan thanked his co-stars, including Hong Chau, Sadie Sink, Sam Hunter, and Ty Simpkins. The Hollywood star also applauded the film's director, Darren Aronofsky, who he credited for finding him in the wilderness.

Brendan Speaks Well Of The Movie Director

According to the actor, Darren, like all the best directors, merely showed him where to go to get to where he needed to be.

Brendan Encourages People With Obesity

Brendan concluded the speech through tears with a message for those who struggled with obesity and felt like they were in a dark sea. Encouraging such people, Brendan said he wanted them to know that if they could have the strength to get to their feet and go to the light, good things would happen to them. Indeed, Brendan's words got to the audience, who could not hold back their tears.

Brendan Has Always Been A Favorite

For the world, Brendan receiving the award was no shocker as he has been a high-profile contender for awards season since The Whale received a six-minute standing ovation after its premiere at the Venice Film Festival. Many also believe he will bag another award at the 2023 Academy Awards in March.