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SAG Awards 2023: Brendan Fraser TEARFULLY accepts Outstanding Lead Actor trophy for 'The Whale', fans say 'loving every bit of it'

This was Fraser's second-ever win in SAG awards history, after winning Best Ensemble accolade for 'Crash'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The 29th Screen Actors Guild Awards were held on Sunday night at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Century City, California, and recognized the group of actors that delivered extraordinary performances last year. One of the most anticipated categories of the night was Outstanding Actor in a Leading Role (Male) and no one could have guessed a clear winner. So, who won the trophy? A small hint: It’s the year of the Brenaissance. Yes, you guessed it right. Brendan Fraser won the prestigious accolade for his mesmerizing performance in Darren Aronofsky’s ‘The Whale’ and floored everyone with an emotional acceptance speech.

‘The Whale’ sees Fraser playing a 300-pound man named Charlie who lives in isolation and wants to reconnect with his estranged daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink). Charlie has gained a lot of weight after the tragic death of his partner. His partner's sudden demise shattered him and he started to suffer from an eating disorder. Fraser’s performance received universal recognition and people felt that it was a stunning comeback for the actor.

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Fraser held back tears while accepting award

The actor was really emotional while accepting the awards and said he will cherish this all his life. He also noted that if someone would have told him that one day he’ll be standing on the stage and accepting a SAG award, he wouldn’t have believed it. Fraser also thanked his children, and his ‘The Whale’ co-stars Hong Chau, Sadie Sink, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton for their support while making this harrowing film.

“I'm smiling and breathing, that's half the job! I will treasure this, but never more than how I treasured... my SAG card that I earned in 1991. It made me feel like I belonged. We're actors, we all want to belong to a tribe, and that's where I found that. If you told that guy back then that I'd be standing right here right now, I would not have believed you,” Fraser said.

The ‘George of the Jungle’ actor went on praise Aronofsky and writer Samuel D. Hunter for giving him the role of his life. He added, “He's (Charlie) someone who is on a raft of regrets, but he's in a sea of hope. I've been in that sea, and I've ridden that wave lately, and it's been powerful and good, and I've also had that wave smash me into the ocean floor.”

Fraser concluded his speech by saying that good things will happen if you “put one foot in front of the other” and simply “have courage” to walk.

Fans are loving Fraser's 'comeback'

Without any guesses, the Internet erupted as soon as Fraser’s name was taken from the stage and fans couldn’t control their emotions when the actor accepted the award. One of the fans wrote, “So so so so so happy for Brendan Fraser, he wholeheartedly deserves this!” Another social media user tweeted, “His speeches always feel authentic & heartfelt. this guy is the true epitome of kind.” Another fan wrote, “A Winner he is! #BrendanFraser gave one of the most painful, beautiful, honest, & intense #acting performances I have seen. Congrats.” Another social media user tweeted, “I am loving every minute of Brendan Fraser’s comeback. I wish this man only happiness, success, and love.”

“Congrats! Brendan Fraser was outstanding and brilliant... He gives the performance of a lifetime,” wrote another fan. “SO DESERVING SO HAPPY FOR HIM LETS GO,” tweeted another social media user.

This was Fraser’s second-ever win at the SAG Awards, after winning the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture accolade for ‘Crash’ in 2006. Now all eyes would be on Sunday, March 12, when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will announce the winners of the 95th Academy Awards. Fraser has garnered the Best Actor nomination at Hollywood’s biggest night as well.