The Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role has been awarded toBrendan Fraserfor his performance inThe Whale, as just announced at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The first-time award winner was presented with the famous gold statuette at the 95th Academy Awards by last year’s Best Actress winnerJessica Chastain.
Last year sawWill Smithtake home the Oscar for his portrayal of tennis patriarchRichard WilliamsinKing Richard- although his evening wasremembered for other reasons.Smith had infamously assaulted Oscar hostChris Rockfor making a joke about his wife,Jada Pinkett Smith, during the show. His actions distracted from what should have been a wonderful evening. His fellow nominees wereJavier Bardem, Benedict Cumberbatch, Andrew Garfield and Denzel Washington.
Fraser’s powerful and moving performance as a 600lb school teacher inDarren Aronofsky’sThe Whalehas seen his career resurgence given its biggest endorsement yet with his first nomination and victory, following his years in the acting wilderness after his own personal struggles and challenges. The former 90s action-adventure star has now seen his career given an unexpected boost, and one that film fans worldwide will be delighted by.
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The Whaleis an emotional drama which focuses on a reclusive English teacher, played by the beloved Fraser, weighing in at over 600lbs, who attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter in what he sees as a final chance of redemption, cursed with the knowledge that his health is in terminal decline.
The Nominees
Fraser’s powerful and moving performance as a 600lb school teacher inDarren Aronofsky’sThe Whalehad given his career a massive resurgence, whileColin Farrellhad also been nominated for his career-best turn inThe Banshees of Inisherin.Austin Butlerhad earned his first nomination for the title role inBaz Luhrmann’s bombastically-entertaining biopicElvis, and there was also a long overdue first nod for the legendary British actorBill Nighy.The 73-year-old had received widespread critical acclaim for his deeply moving performance as a terminally-ill gentleman inLiving.Paul Mescalhad also capped a stunning rise to rapid stardom with a pleasantly surprising nomination for his beautiful performance as a young father inAftersun,the impressive debut film from directorCharlotte Wells.
Everything Everywhere All at Oncecame into the evening as the favourite and front-runner. With 11 nominations, the movie shows up in more categories than any other nominee this year, whileAll Quiet on the Western Front -the German-language film from Netflix - andThe Banshees of Inisherinfollowed with 9 nominations each.
The return of audiences to movie theatres following the pandemic was also acknowledged, with two films -Avatar: The Way of WaterandTop Gun: Maverick- both being nominated for Best Picture, having earned over $1 billion each at the worldwide box office, marking the first time two films to pass that milestone had earned nominations.
