Brendan Fraser in A24 film The Whale
(Picture: FILM HANDOUT)Brendan Fraser has received an award for his role in upcoming film The Whale, suggesting an early place for the actor in nominations for next year’s Oscars.
The 53-year-old plays reclusive English teacher Charlie in the film and looks unrecognisable in the role as the character battles a compulsive eating disorder while trying to mend his relationship with his daughter, played by actress Sadie Sink.
Fraser has shocked fans following the first look of The Whale as he is seen transformed into a 600-pound man.
At the same time, the actor has been praised for taking on the role during what has been deemed the ‘Fraserenaissance’ period in his career.
This comes as it’s been announced that Fraser has won the Toronto International Film Festival TIFF Tribute Award for his role as Charlie, certifying the star’s acting comeback.
While the award only started being handed out in 2019, it has been given to Benedict Cumberbatch for The Power of the Dog and Jessica Chastain for The Eyes of Tammy Faye — both actors who went on to be Oscar nominated for their roles, with one win.
Oscar winners Joaquin Phoenix and Anthony Hopkins also bagged the award for their parts in Joker and The Father respectively.
Considering this, Fraser’s Oscar nomination next year seems even more likely.
The actor first found love with audiences in the late 1990s, when he starred as an action hero in The Mummy and George of the Jungle.
Fraser’s latest film The Whale, directed by Darren Aronofsky, is set to premiere at the 2022 Venice Film Festival.
Speaking about his role in the film, Fraser Unilad last year: “It’s gonna be like something you haven’t seen before.
“That’s really all I can tell you…The wardrobe and costume was extensive, seamless, cumbersome. This is certainly far removed from anything I’ve ever done but not to be coy…I do know it’s going to make a lasting impression.”
