Tearful Brendan Fraser admits he was 'in the wilderness' in emotional CCA speech

16 January 2023 , 03:47

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Brendan Fraser gave an emotional speech as he won Best Actor at the Critics' Choice Awards (Image: Getty Images for Critics Choice)

Brendan Fraser broke down in tears as he gave an emotional speech during his Critics' Choice Awards win.

The actor, 54, was honoured with the Best Actor Award in Los Angeles for his role in The Whale and seemed taken aback by the announcement.

Taking to the stage, he began his speech with a few jokes, before it quickly turned serious.

Tearing up, he told the audience: "I was in the wilderness and I probably should have left a trail of breadcrumbs. But you found me and like all the best directors you showed me where I had to go to get to where I needed to be."

Brendan was shocked to win the award (Getty Images for Critics Choice)

With the famous faces in the audience also visibly moved by his words, he continued: "If you are a guy like Charlie who I play in this movie and in any way struggle with obesity or you feel like you're in a dark sea, then I want you to know that you too can have the strength to just get to your feet and go to the light."

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As his voice began to wobble with emotion, he emphatically went on: "Good things will happen."

He won Best Actor for his role in The Whale (AFP via Getty Images)

With tears in his eyes and gritted teeth, he was treated to a standing ovation by those in the room. And fans at home joined in with praise for the star as they turned to social media to share their admiration.

One Twitter user wrote: "The emotion. the hugs. the love for him in that room. SO DESERVED. #CriticsChoiceAwards."

Another added: "I'm so proud of Brendan, I've been following him since The Mummy release and I watched so many of his movies, it has been a long journey. So emotional."

Brendan beat Elvis star Austin Butler to the award (Getty Images)

And a third confessed: "Presently crying my eyes out like a baby over this one. He deserves the world."

Elsewhere in the ceremony, Cate Blanchett was awarded the Best Actress award for her role in Tar. The Best Picture gong was handed to Everything Everywhere All at Once, while Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert also won Best Director for the same film.

Jamie Roberts