Brendan Fraser's emotional speech at the Critics' Choice Awards left us all in tears after what has been described as one of the most epic career comebacks in entertainment history.
On Sunday night at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, the 54-year-old actor was recognized for his role in The Whale, where he takes on the character of Charlie, a morbidly obese English teacher who attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter (played by Stranger Things star, Sadie Sink).
When Fraser's name was called out as the winner of the coveted award he immediately burst into tears before making his way up onto the stage to deliver one of the best speeches of the night.
"'There are only five critics in America; the rest are asleep,'" the Journey to the Center of the Earth alum started - citing the iconic quote by Herman Melville. "I don’t know what it means either, but I’m so glad you woke up for me," he said earning laughter from the audience.
He continued: "This movie, The Whale, it’s about love, it’s about redemption. It’s about finding the light in a dark place and I’m so lucky to have worked with an ensemble that is incredible."
The actor then went on to recognize his co-stars saying that Hong Chau "should have her own movie based on every character she’s ever played."
Sink also got a shoutout, with Fraser describing her as "incredible," before going on to add: "Who are you?! Your talent presages your years. It took me 32 years to get here!"
Fraser also called Sam Hunter his "lighthouse" and said that Ty Simpkins "won the game ball every day."
He also credited the director of the film, Darren Aronofsky, stating that he "found him."
"I was in the wilderness, and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs, but you’ve found me. And like all the best directors, you merely just showed me where to go to get to where I needed to be," he said.
The 54-year-old concluded his speech with what was described as a "powerful message."
"If you, like a guy like Charlie, who I played in this movie, in any way, struggle with obesity, or you just feel like you’re in a dark sea. I want you to know that if you too, can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light.
"Good things will happen. Thank you and goodnight," he told the audience.
Of course, the crowd applauded the speech, with many standing to honor Fraser for his vigor.
Watch the incredible speech below:Fraser beat an impressive line-up including the likes of Austin Butler for Elvis, Tom Cruise for Top Gun: Maverick, Colin Farrell for his role in The Banshees of Inisherin, Paul Mescal for Aftersun, and Bill Nighy for his work in Living in order to claim the coveted award.
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