Why Brendan Fraser Won the Oscar

[@brettdarling1178]

This was an amazing year for acting. People can say, the Oscar’s are just another awards show, but at the end of the day, if you win an Oscar, it’s a big damn deal. This year, even months after the awards show, I think this will go down as one of the best years in acting history. I’m thrilled that Brendan has an Oscar and no one can take that from him.

[@RVandergeld]

Couldn't agree more.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

No, but when he doesn't get anymore work, he won't be able to sell it either. New rules.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Absolutely!! Thanks for watching, Brett!

[@80steen44]

😂 it hasn't been significant to win an Oscar in years because they're agenda based on lifetime achievement and comeback narrative and not acting merit. Jamie Lee Curtis wasn't even the best supporting actress in her own movie and hadn't won a single award anywhere until Hollywood SAG, losing to Kerry Condon and Angela Bassett along the way with local film critics and so called precursor shows. Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International, South African Online Film Critics, International Press Academy Satellite, Irish International category at IFTA, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing.

[@nsasupporter7557]

2 Oscar wins that’s I definitely didn’t agree with was Tommy Lee Jones for the Fugitive and Sandra Bullock of the Blind Side… Neither one of those those performances were and special or Oscar worth my in my opinion

[@whatsup4825]

My brain said Butler, but my heart said Fraser. I'm sure Butler will be nominated again and have a long and illustrious career. ✌️

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, I feel the same!

[@80steen44]

Which has zero to do with performance and that's why they Oscars have lost credibility, because they're agenda based on lifetime achievement and comeback narrative. Austin won with international voters who are objective. Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International, and Ireland's IFTA international category and was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world.

[@deboisblanc]

Well, Elvis deserved that award as much as Austin. Elvis freakin Presley and Austin nailed it.

[@ElvisRose_]

@@TheAwardsContender Which is just to say that if Butler's career goes upon the right trajectory, one day he will win an Oscar that should probably go to someone else for the better acting performance that year but he's owed an Oscar like DiCaprio was for his illustrious career or Scorsese winning for The Departed when the entire world knows he should have won for Goodfellas and as long as the Oscars do this ridiculous dance, they'll continue to lose all credibility with the masses.

[@Crutonwyt]

Gay asf.

[@joelanthonylim6792]

Also another example for the makeup-major acting win - just last year, The Eyes of Tammy Faye won Best Makeup as well, and wouldn't you know it, Jessica Chastain wins the Oscar later in the ceremony Part of me wanted Colin Farrell in Banshees to win because I wanted a more subtle lead acting performance to win, but I was happy whoever won between Fraser, Butler, and Farrell (who was very overdue for a nom and is also overdue for a win imo)

[@TheAwardsContender]

Farrell would’ve been an amazing win!! Thanks for watching!

[@tyronesoares3268]

Love that Fraser and Ky won, both great Performances, both ostracized by Hollywood but making huge comebacks and having made a movie together decades earlier. No one would have wrote this because it seems too contrived. It's inspiring and hilarious in all the right ways.

[@TheAwardsContender]

So amazing!

[@Price70]

This is not an attack on Brendan Fraser. I'm Generation X and he's part of my youth. No one wished him well anymore than me. Austin won from as far off as South Africa, Spain, Australia, Ireland and the UK, and others from bodies that represent 20 to 50 different countries, and many of those wins were head to head vs Fraser, including the highly prestigious Golden Globe and BAFTA. Still, incase anyone was wondering, SAG is a union. Unions are in the business of compensating people who have been wronged. A guy who was sexually assaulted and blacklisted in Hollywood wasn't not going to win a union award, especially after his tearful Critics Choice speech went viral. Once he won SAG he had another tearful viral speech six days before Oscar voting opened. The largest body of voters at the Oscars are the actors from SAG. The next largest groups are the directors and producers who actually wouldn't employ Fraser for so long. They for sure had obligatory guilt votes. Reparation. Beyond that, every anonymous Oscar ballot released for Fraser mentioned his sentimental story, and every expert predictor with inside info that predicted Fraser said they were doing so because of his narrative. Every anonymous Oscar ballot released for Austin only mentioned his performance and some for for Colin Farrell or Fraser even said it was because they've always liked them and Austin will have more chances. Another for Farrell said "Even though I'm voting for Colin I can tell you right now that Brendan Fraser is going to win." That sounds pretty shady A closer examination of Austin's wins as lead actor. Hollywood Foreign Press Golden Globe, Drama category. The third most celebrated acting award in the world and probably second to the average U.S. citizen. Represents 50 different countries and has been around since 1944. It doesn't matter that Brendan Fraser boycotted the ceremony. He wouldn't have won this one regardless. Austin did exceptionally well with international bodies, with 9 of his 12 lead wins coming from non U.S. groups. Also, they didn't even have to nominate Fraser because he didn't submit consideration to be nominated, yet his performance was good enough to gain a nomination against their own protocol. The Foreign Press had offered Fraser two formal apologies in the past and held no grudges. As well, the ones who nominated him are the ones who he had a problem with, not the voters from around the world. He had as much chance of winning as Austin. Some even predicted a Fraser win as a way for the Forgien Press to make things right. British Academy of Film and Television Arts BAFTA. The second most celebrated acting award in the world, and most prestigious in the UK and some other locations of Europe. Established in 1947. Also, the second largest film awards academy, with 7,500 film industry members. This was a massive win for Austin and far and away his biggest, and if I'm completely honest, seeing how things worked out, one he had to have. The win is especially significant when you consider he went against highly acclaimed British actor Bill Nighy, as well as Brendan Fraser and Colin Farrell, and Farrell was part of a UK produced film and both supporting role wins came from that production. Australian AACTA Domestic and International versions. With the movie "Elvis" being made in Australia it may appear that the domestic version would be an automatic for Austin. Still, it's 900 members so nothing is a given, and of the other 4 actors in Australian made films, 3 of them were Australian actors in Australian made films. The international version win was significant because not only did he have to go against Farrell and Fraser, but also widely loved Australian actor Hugh Jackman, and for a ceremony which gave actress to Australian Cate Blanchett. Irish Film and Television Academy IFTA (International Category) The second largest body of voters Austin won with at 1,000. Between it and the BAFTA it further solidified his greatness in that part of the world. International Press Academy Satellite. Represents 20 different countries. Fraser won here for the Drama category and Austin for Comedy or Musical. Austin had to beat Colin Farrell in the same category Farrell won for at the Golden Globes. Meaning that Austin won two international media awards in two seperate categories vs Farrell in one (Satellite) and Fraser in the other (Golden Globe) Catalonia Spain Sant Jordi. Won here for actor in a Forgien Film from a media group that's been awarding films since 1957. Often their foreign film winners are from Spanish decent but outside of Spain, so Austin's win here is pretty impressive. Sunset Circle and Minnesota Film Critics, These, like most film critics bodies are small groups but I really dig these two wins because they went against the grain for Austin. U.S. Film critics are well known to prefer slow and/or dark performances. This is why Colin Farrell won over 30 of them and Brendan Fraser about 20. Austin in his defense was nominated by a whopping 50 U.S. film critics bodies, which says a lot when you consider that Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury only got about 20 and Taron Egerton as Elton John only a handful. Think about that. Rami Malek who eventually was given a Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Oscar, received 30 less U.S. film critics nominations than Austin did. Also, of those 50 U.S. critics nominations, a few of them had breakthrough performance categories of which Austin won 11. His other two for breakthrough were with Film Festivals for a total of 13. CinEuphoria and South African Online Film Critics. Two non U.S. film critics groups. CinEuphoria was shared with Fraser in their international category, but the more impressive is South African Online Film Critics. They were established back in 1990 before they could even be online. Traditionally their nominations and wins are for films and performances of African interest and by those who are African or of African decent. Austin winning here really speaks to the magnitude of his performance. People's Choice. A pretty cool win voted on by the people online That's 12 lead actor wins, combined with 13 Breakthrough Performance wins for a total of 25. And Austin was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Showing his portrayal of Elvis Presley had an impact globally.

[@MundoJuanci]

I always felt Fraser had the stronger narrative (and performance) over Butler, but i didn't want to jinx his chances.

[@poett8875]

This Oscar’s really felt like the year of the narratives tbh.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

​@@poett8875Brendan had 57 and 1 nomination in 32 years. Of course he won for his phony narrative. He had 2 PR firms promoting it.

[@newbeeify]

Please the whole Oscars were based on narratives than actual performances.

[@cl_the_loon]

@@poett8875 every actor/actress winner is a career narrative: - Austin Butler should have won Best Actor! He lost to Brendan Fraser's career narrative and comeback story. - Michelle Yeoh was my no.1 for Best Actress! - Ke Huy Quan also was my no.1 for Supporting Actor, although I think in that category, Paul Dano should have been nominated for The Fabelmans, and he would have been my No.2! - Kerry Condon should have won for The Banshees of Inisherin! Jamie Lee Curtis did not feel like a Supporting Actress Winner, even Stephanie Hsu had a better Supporting Role than Curtis, but she also won for her career narrative for over 40 years. Tbh, the Oscars this year were too much focused on EEAAO, don't get me wrong, I love that movie, but leaving out Elvis, The Fabelmans and The Banshees of Inisherin with zero wins proves a bit that EEAAO was a bit overhyped by the Academy.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yep, pretty much!

[@allisontucker9874]

Brendan Fraser’s character to me is that when you play a character that is so emotionally heartbroken that you as the audience member want to reach out and show Charlie love and that it’s OK to not be OK and to me that speaks volumes

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, excellent point!

[@80steen44]

Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatic were no better than Even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans. Fraser's performance couldn't even elevate it to a best picture nomination at the Oscars in Dec out of 10 slots before the narrative kicked in. Best Picture is the only category where the entire academy votes on both the nominees and winners. So magically in March the same group who didn't nominate the picture supposedly voted for him as actor, when since it went to 10 films in 2009 only Jeff Bridges, in the first year of the expansion, had one actor without being in a best picture nominated film, and he won on narrative too become a previous 4 time Oscar nominee. Since then, 13 years, you couldn't win actor or actress if your performance wasn't good enough to elevate the movie to a best picture nomination out of 10 openings. The Oscars giving the whale hair and makeup was a clear sign of bias against "Elvis". The Whale crew only did what Elvis did with Tom Hanks alone, and Fraser was 50 percent computer generated imaging. Plus Elvis had to do Butler and all the co stars and extras to represent 3 decades. The Whale didn't win a single precursor hair and makeup award, not even Critics Choice which have Fraser actor where as Elvis won most of them. The Oscars have never been objective

[@annabarr1304]

Curtis was an amazing supporting actor, she brought out everyone's best performance. Angela Bassett is a leading actress, she can carry films on her own. Send Angela some good scripts and she will win Best Actress!

[@TheAwardsContender]

I would be jumping out of my chair in excitement for a Bassett win!

[@patrarus6097]

Bravo once again, Brian! I agree with you totally. Brendan so deserved this award, and I'm so glad that his career is now thriving. In addition to your excellent insights, I really like your voice and your diplomacy. You use phrases such as "I would argue that..." You are never pompous or self-involved. You are a total class act. Once again, congrats. You are my favorite critic since the passing of Roger Ebert.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you, Pat, you’re too kind!

[@80steen44]

C'mon man, Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@rebekahp4083]

I knew the second I saw The Whale at TIFF he was going to win. There was just no other performance in the category that came close or had such a great career narrative.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, excellent point!

[@VeeLondon1449]

♥️ Thank you for another video. I was so happy Brendan Fraser won, The Whale was an emotional watch. I was also aghast to find out that James Corden was first offered the lead role in The Whale. As Tom ford was prior contemplating making/directing the movie “I was going to play that part, and Tom Ford was going to direct.” - James Corden. I can’t imagine, how that version of The Whale would have turned out.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yeahhhh, I’m happy we got this version!

[@80steen44]

Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@claudenewton8932]

He won because he deserved to win.

[@Dennisanyone-]

The comeback narrative was too much for the Academy to resist. It was probably close between him and Butler, but the acting he had to do pull off through the fat suit and prosthetics was no small feat. Plus playing someone with a physical impediment and about to die always gives you a leg up at the Oscars. They like to see ACTING with a capital A, which killed Farrells chances. Subtle work sometimes wins, but it depends on the actor and the competition they have in their category. I found the Whale a bit too Oscar baity, but I like Brendan and glad he pulled it off.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, excellent points. Thanks for watching!

[@bar4oc]

Barry Keoghan’s name is pronounced “Kyown” (as in rhymes with “phone”), not “Kee-hogan” 👌🏻

[@TheUnihorn]

I was really rooting for Butler; but I knew Fraser would take it

[@TheAwardsContender]

Both were great!

[@alpe1987]

Here is my take on the best actor race between Butler and Fraser. From the beginning of the race EVERYONE wrote off Austin Butler because they dismissed his performance as another cheap Elvis impersonation and that Brendan or Colin Farrell should win because it was their time. But ELVIS had staying power from the summer all that through awards season while THE WHALE had the usual awards season route. Both ELVIS and THE WHALE were polarizing films made by polarizing directors Baz Luhrmann and Darren Aronofsky. They both got standing ovations when their respective film’s premiered in Cannes and Venice. Both films were criticized but one thing was for sure: Butler and Fraser gave Universal praise performances. And both were equally good people. Now the award season really gave us twist and turns. Fraser wasn’t gonna win GG due to what happened to him few years back and it would’ve been weird if he did win that award which was always gonna go to Butler. But Brendan did rebound at CC. BAFTA is where the game changed. Colin went in as the favorite to win the award until Austin surprised everyone and won. Brendan won SAG which was expected and that’s where the race was super close. There some fear that Austin was gonna take home the Oscar because it felt that he was taking away Brendan’s moment. Joyce Eng and Christopher Rosen from Gold Derby touched on this subject saying that the EVERYONE (internet) had it in their power to deny Austin the Oscar so Brendan could take it. EVERYONE(internet) felt it was necessary for Fraser to win the Oscar and Joyce said it best; if the internet were academy voters then Brendan would win in a landslide. And EVERYONE(internet) made sure that Fraser was gonna get his Oscar and they succeeded. In fact this was the first Oscars where the internet got its way and their guy won. The makeup award was so telling as to which man would win in best actor and once WHALE won that award I knew that Fraser’s win was eventual. The narrative that Fraser had kinda got overshadowed by Ke Huy Quan because his narrative similar but powerful This category was definitely a nail biter which was exciting because it was why people care about the Oscars and I love that it wasn’t predictable as in years passed. I wanted Austin to win but looking back it had to be between Austin and Brendan which is good because they both gave performances that’ll stick with you forever. I do hope Austin gets his time but hopefully sinner rather than later and as for Brendan we shall see what the future holds.

[@newbeeify]

The only reason why some really tried super hard to dismiss Austin's nomination because he's too young. And he didnt have a sob story like Brendan...... Like how dare a good looking young guy win over the poor guy who was exploited by Hollywood?

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you for your thoughtful analysis! Loved reading this!

[@claudettewright365]

Huh? From what I remember, Austin was THE early frontrunner for the Oscar as soon as Elvis premiered. Who was doubting him?

[@emillion4470]

The most thorough and detailed exploration on BF's win I've come across. You really should write a book on film (much like my current read - "Oscar Wars" by M. Schulman) I'd be the first in line to buy. Although Austin Butler seemed like this year's golden child, the big reason for him not winning is ironically, Baz Luhrmann. Granted, Baz (a Bafta perennial) helped Butler win there, Elvis' 8 Oscar nominations, glaringly omitted BL (just like Moulin Rouge and Great Gatsby). Perhaps the Academy just isn't into him and his excessively frenetic directorial style that maybe detrimental and distracts from an actor's attempt at character depth and subtlety. In Elvis, BL hobbled Austin's big dramatic non-singing scenes ( the crying in the closet scene) and enabled Hanks' inexplicably eccentric caricature of Colonel Tom. The Academy's actors branch may have themselves suffered under questionable directorial style choices at the expense of their craft. Which is the hallmark of a Luhrmann spectacles.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Aww, thanks for your kind words!

[@user-CatherineDodd]

I have fought for her tilll the end! I knew in my heart that she will take home the Oscar for best actress. A well deserved win. ❤️

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed!

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

I was rooting for Austin Butler. I always thought the degree of difficulty was much higher and he was walking a very tight rope which he nailed amazingly. However, one can't be mad with a win for Fraser. He was very good!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Both excellent performances, yes!

[@80steen44]

Brendan Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

@@80steen44 Very interesting! Thank you for the information on Butler's acclaim internationally.

[@claudettewright365]

@@80steen44Calm yourself. Butler is young. He’ll have plenty of chances in the future.

[@80steen44]

@@claudettewright365 😂 please explain what his age has to do with a specific performance. You're basically proving my point on how voters think. They go on narrative or against someone because of lack of narrative and not acting merits alone, unlike the international bodies who voted for Austin because of his actual acting

[@Stefarooh]

This was one of the most satisfying Oscar telecasts ever. I really enjoyed watching all these wonderful people from Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Brendan Fraser to Ke Huy Quan all taking home little gold statues. What an incredible year for the "little guys".

[@DitalianCole]

Thanks for breaking it all down for us, once again, Brian! Good job!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@DitalianCole]

@@TheAwardsContender Thank YOU for posting!

[@bethd1480]

I thought the Oscars were kind of strange this year in that, Elvis, Banshee's , Tar, Fabelman's - none won a single Oscar.. However, I think all the right people won, I'm not one who thinks the Oscars need to be divided among a bunch of films, If you have a great one, it should win. I don't think in the future a lot of people will look back and say "Oh that person shouldn't have won," like they do for a lot of past movies.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Good point!

[@victorodia5878]

I always love hearing your insights Brian. This is another amazing video, welldone

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks!

[@Kevin-rg3yc]

Not gonna lie I was really hoping Colin Farrell was gonna pull a Olivia Colman this season bc I loved his performance the most right along side Brandon Fraser. I knew once he lost that BAFTA to Austin I knew it was over for him and all my support went to Brandon in the end

[@TheAwardsContender]

If Farrell had won BAFTA, it would’ve truly been a three-person race!

[@johnnolan5579]

Your 10th reason is dead on! The performance stuck with me longer than any other. That's what makes it an Oscar winning performance. I hadn't responded so strongly to a performance since Joaquin Phoenix in Joker. They are both performances that are so strong, one knows they are bound for Oscar glory.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yep, that reason is super important I think, especially in the Lead acting categories!

[@80steen44]

C'mon man 😂 Brendan Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@80steen44]

​@@TheAwardsContender Brendan Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@johnnolan5579]

@@80steen44 THat's your opinion. Fraser won plenty of awards up until the Oscars. Sure the narrative was great, but the performance stands alone. Give it up with this fan boy Butler b.s. 80s teen! It's always the fangirls who love Butler, not the serious movie goers. Elvis SUCKED, like every other overdone Baz Luhrmann film. It's much easier to study newsreels and other footage and recreate that character than to create a believable, full-blooded performance that sticks with you when you leave the theatre.

[@80steen44]

@@johnnolan5579 How many awards did Fraser win with large international voter bodies who weren't aware or moved by narrative and tears like the bleeding heart U.S.? Every actor says it's much more difficult to portray a real person accurately because you have to be precise and have no room for liberties. Fraser also had the play to go by and if the Elvis movie sucked than why was it nominated everywhere and The Whale wasn't? And it's not girls or Butler fans that adored his performance, otherwise he wouldn't have won so many accolades. Butler won the hearts of Elvis fans of all ages across the globe while Fraser literally disgusted morbidly obese people who said he stereotyped what fat people are and why they are, that is depressed, traumatized and stuffing their faces.

[@johnivory3245]

We need a moratorium on Elvis and Marilyn bio pics.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

And Jane Austen adaptations.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, if they’re done well, I’ll watch!

[@auzzygirl8175]

The whale is the only movie to make me cry. It touched me so deeply that I don't know if I could watch it again. So happy for Brendan ❤

[@theresaivy7045]

You know why I like your channel? You to know film and the industry. It's the industry parr that I like to hear about because I don't think you can really know film without that knowledge of the industry behind it. Thanks for the content you deliver.

[@TheAwardsContender]

You’re welcome!

[@DitalianCole]

To me, Angela Bassett belonged in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category. Black Panther centered around her character. She got a lot of screen, despite what some film critics online said, who couldn't have seen the movie with comments like, she was only in the first 10 minutes of the movie! Now, Mahershala Ali was truly in about 10 minutes of Moonlight and won. So, why couldn't Bassett??? She carried the film, proved she could do accents well, and acted her ass off!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Bassett would’ve been such a cool win.

[@DitalianCole]

@@TheAwardsContender Definitely!

[@connorsvoes6035]

I knew Brendan was going to win since day 1 I've never missed Best Actor prediction

[@TheAwardsContender]

Nice!

[@michaelreffold3170]

I really strongly disliked The Whale, which I found overwrought and emotionally manipulative, but I'm still happy Brendan Fraser won the Oscar. My choice would have been Paul Mescal for his subtle, heart-breaking work in Aftersun - if that film had gained more traction in other categories, maybe he would have had a shot at the win. Not a particularly strong field in Best Actor this year.

[@TheAwardsContender]

It was odd to have five first-time nominees. Really enjoyed the category!

[@navidhudson7065]

One of the most well deserved Oscar wins of all time alongside Joaquin Phoenix for Joker. Brendan is one of my childhood heroes too, my top films of his are the first two Mummy films, Blast from the Past, George of the Jungle, Gods and Monsters. It's amazing that this year the Oscars decided to reward not one but TWO comeback stories, his and Ke Huy Quan's. I'm still happily reeling over his win and I can't wait to see what he'll do next including hopefully a fourth Mummy film with Rachel Weisz! His performance in The Whale really stays with you, his comeback narrative was very impressive and strong that he won even without a Best Picture nomination along with a very rich varied career to back that up. I loved Austin in Elvis, he really transformed and became the music icon. He would've been my pick if Brendan wasn't in the running. I only like a few music biopics and I would rank Austin high in my top favorite music biopic performances, I mean it really seemed like Elvis had come back to life again when watching it. His time will come soon.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed! Thanks for watching!

[@rafaelcruz9973]

Personally, Butler just rubbed me the wrong way with his Elvis persona during the campaign and just didn't feel genuine. Brendan seemed genuinely happy to win and always gave very moving speeches, I think his humbleness was the key factor over the "cool hot guy" schtick from Butler

[@jesusangelespinosasalgado9430]

He needs a new PR team... You'll see how his voice in Dune Will be different

[@rafaelcruz9973]

@@jesusangelespinosasalgado9430 I have no doubt, and I do believe he's a talented guy. I think "the voice" was really just a campaign strategy that backfired on him. But I'm very excited for him in Dune

[@TheAwardsContender]

Either win would’ve been great, but super happy for Fraser!

[@jesusangelespinosasalgado9430]

@@rafaelcruz9973 me too... The voice made cringe but and when I say a "different voice" I mean his actual voice. Even when I was not into Elvis in general (with the exception of his great work) he's fantastic!! When I saw him in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood I thought "wow what a wasted talent during those Nickelodeon days and early 2010s" he definitely deserves today's success

[@claudettewright365]

This right here! I think this was one of the major things that did him in. It got annoying after a while.

[@leightonbate7516]

The best bit about him getting the award was Halle's "Wow Wow Wow" of a dress,I'd have picked Bill Nighy or Colin Farrell.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!

[@ahmedshoushareviews]

I Loved The Whale . I waited so long to watch it fully while I was watching clips, which made me cry. I wanted Brendan to win so bad. But because the race was tough I had to predict Austin . But thank God Brendan won 🏆 💯💯

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yay, happy Fraser won!

[@mannyespinola9228]

Thank you for this video

[@TheAwardsContender]

You’re welcome!

[@nitsugazemag]

I’m over-the-moon that Brendan won. He deserved it. I liked The Whale more than you, I guess. It was emotionally powerful. Elvis was more more surface level re-imagining of the legend told by an unreliable narrator played terribly by Tom Hanks, something I never thought I’d say. If they had given Butler more character building scenes, I might have had a different opinion, that and maybe him losing the accent during award season. I’m pretty sure he doesn’t sound like Elvis in Dune 2. There’s potential, but he seems to rub me the wrong way, some insincerity, a thin facade 🤷‍♂️.

[@TheAwardsContender]

We shall see, thanks for watching!

[@80steen44]

Brendan Fraser couldn't win sole acting with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA and South African Film Critics, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Showing that outside of N. America based on performance without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. You claim Austin spoke like Elvis too long after 2 years of being in character but Fraser wouldn't break character everytime he quivered in interviews and cried during speeches. If Austin doesn't speak like Elvis in Dune it's because he'll be changing his voice for the role. His natural voice has now been altered like when your accent changes after living somewhere different for a while. And Fraser's performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@nitsugazemag]

@@80steen44 Europeans adore Baz. Butler was more of a caricature that a fully realized person; he was mostly a glossy projection. I agree that he had moments, but that’s all they were against the weight of cheesy transitions and trite storytelling techniques that what should have been impactful beats were nearly swallowed up by the flashy music video performances and aesthetics. For me, as a whole, didn’t impress me. Angela Basset did it better playing Tina Turner because the filmmaker was able to strike a balance between her persona and her as a person. Rami Malik pulled a win in an unimpressive movie that was popular that it received many award nominations. As much as I like him as an actor, I didn’t think it was all that great of a performance just because he was able to imitate Mercury and do a reenactment of Queen’s famous live performance. Elvis was imbalanced with it’s frenetic pacing and music video aesthetics propelling the first half and began to drag in the latter. I’m not saying Bulter isn’t a talented person, but I feel Baz Bazzed it up with more flash and little substance, and an ill conceive entry point into rockstar’s life with the Colonel being the unreliable narrator. I understand you have a different view, and that’s fine. I’m not expecting you to change your mind. Good will and being humble isn’t theatrics, it’s being a gracious person in loss and or in winning. To me, Brendan played a fully realized person that showcased his dramatic acting worth earning him the Academy Award. Many people had mixed views about The Whale because of preconceived notions, fatphobics, and or even some complaining he had taken a job from an actual gay actor, but not applying that same criticism to another front runner, Cate Blanchett, who has played a lesbian more than once in her career to date. I’m sure it didn’t help that Austin was relatively unknown to the industry, but somehow his movie got a chunk of nominations. I guess it’s a matter of agreeing to disagree 🤷‍♂️.

[@80steen44]

@@nitsugazemag Baz wasn't even nominated by BAFTA and the movie didn't win there or at IFTA so that point is meaningless. The one thing Lisa Marie said about Austin was that he didn't make her dad a caricature but a real person, unlike everyone else before Austin. Jerry Schilling, Elvis's best friend said the same. Priscilla said she was most impressed by the private moments of sadness and anger that no one else had been able to do. And Austin didn't win just in Europe at IFTA and BAFTA but also Spain and Australia n with voters from 55 countries of the Foreign Press. Rami Malek played a gay icon, combine that with a good portrayal and he had it easy with Hollywood SAG and the Oscars but was only nominated by about 20 local film critics compared to Austin's 50. But because it was Austin's first lead role in general it made it even more agenda based. That's why Austin won 13 Breakthrough Performance or Most Promising awards from the bodies in the states that had those categories. Fraser also had the play to base his character off of, and minus the fat suit we've seen that performance before and will again. Had he played a thin guy who struggled with alcohol instead of food and was straight no one would have cared. Fraser's performance won't age well because it enhanced stereotypes of what thin people think fat people are, miserable, disgusting and stuffing their faces

[@nitsugazemag]

@@80steen44 Baz love doesn’t mean love for the man but his movies. They tend to get nominated more so I’m Europe than in the states. The thing about family is that they rather think the world of their parents than know their flaws, especially with famous individuals. She had a specific way of remembering him, and that’s nice, but he didn’t get the opportunity to showcase depth and make him feel like a well-rounded person which wasn’t really going to happen in a Baz production. He looks for the larger-than-life aspects and runs with them. Is it really unfathomable that someone can NOT like for movie Elvis? I didn’t like it and if you don’t agree, fine. Movies are subjective. It just didn’t resonate with me.

[@ChristopherX30]

Great analysis! This is the page I have been needing to watch to get me back into movie going!

[@user-xq2lk6on9y]

Tom hanks performance is so bad that I’m starting to think it’s actually good in a bad way idk. He was miscast tho. I feel the role should’ve gone to someone like John Goodman (no need for fat suit if he was casted) or Jim Broadbent.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Something was off and it brought the movie down for me.

[@pophector]

Excellent video, Brian! Brendan Fraser's performance gave me goosebumps after leaving the theater, and he was by far my favorite in the category as you said, his performance sticks with you the longest after seeing it. I would say his performance was also much better than the film itself really. He had the best comeback story that you want to root for especially after being unfairly blacklisted due to what happened to him 20 years ago (that being said, he's great as Clint on HBO Max's Doom Patrol). His speeches were so heartfelt and vulnerable just like his role in The Whale, and I would have voted for him in a heartbeat if I were an Academy member because he's a person you want to root for and deserves a strong second wind of a career. A very, very likable guy. So very happy the Oscar voters went the way of SAG instead of BAFTA for acting wins. This truly was the year of A24, they killed it in the top of the line categories! It was very interesting how you mentioned that Austin Butler distanced himself from Tom Hanks during Oscar campaigning and that Tom Hanks' performance was jarring, since Tom would eventually win the Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor and that would have been quite the feat for the same film to have a Best Actor winner & Worst Supporting Actor winner at the same time, lol. I think it would have helped Elvis more had it not been so much about the awful Colonel Tom Parker as it was about Elvis himself. Another great video, Brian! Can't wait for your next one, your work is already much appreciated!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you, Hector, you are too kind!

[@80steen44]

C'mon, fr, Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatic were no better than Even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@nycgallagher8453]

beautiful TOP 5 i just love BRENDAN , he is back and i feel his happines.

[@RedSpice84]

I dont know why people were surprised brendan could do what he did in the Whale. Hes always been a very charismatic actor. Ive loved him since School Ties.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, agreed!

[@80steen44]

Brendan Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatic were no better than Even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@markdaly1648]

The Irish media wanted gleeson. Farell, condon and keoghan to win. They were all Oscar worthy. The academy looked after its own. Its an American awards film body. They were all locked out

[@markdaly1648]

14 nominations is the big haul in Irish film history.

[@AbbeBuck]

This man had one of the longest standing ovations in Venice. The makeup was magnificent but there was so much more…

[@edkeaton]

Brendan Fraser's performance in "The Whale" was amazing and mesmerizing. It's great to see him resurface in Hollywood after all these years. I hope that more success continues to come his way for many more years to come. 😎👍

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

@edkeaton Anyone who believes that "comeback" nonsense or believes that Brendan has been away from the industry or out of work in the 32 years he has held SAG membership, is very naive. IMDb has been online since 1996 and is the go to site for up to date acting credits. There is no excuse for not knowing your "favorite" actor's filmography. I don't think even Brendan realized how easy to fool his "fans" would be.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed, thanks for watching!

[@80steen44]

😂 Yet Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans.

[@knightterror2826]

I loved EEAaO and its victories in Best Picture, Actress, Supporting Actor, Director, Screenplay and Editing still have me pumped. On the night I was excited for JLC's win for Supporting Actress, but the more time goes by, despite Curtis's fantastic performance, I really feel it should have gone to Bassett. The Supporting Actress race was so cutthroat that year, and no one was there who didn't deserve to be.

[@newbeeify]

Few months after the Oscars, people are still not convinced of his win. Austin did an amazing job as Elvis and thats what people remember where as Brendan has become an internet meme. Honestly look at where they stand as of now. Brendan has no projects confirmed except the soccrsse movie that he himself confirmed that he only had 2 scenes. Compared to Austin who will be playing a main antagonist in Dune 2, one of the biggest releases this year. He's lead in apple+ series produced by Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the budget is around $200M-300M He's also co-starring with Tom Hardy in Bikeriders. Plus he's already booked as the lead in an untitled trilogy with Sony.

[@outinsider]

I wish the fatphobic The Whale wasn't the vehicle for which Brendan Fraser to win the Oscar. He had the redemption arc in his award show narrative for sure, but I also thought him excluding himself from the #MeToo accountability movement did him a disservice, on top of the fatphobia of the film. I also think that he could and now does have the means to give further victims of sexual harassment a boost if he wants to.

[@craigmmcgill]

Interesting. I didn’t view The Whale as the least bit fatphobic. I saw him experiencing some things I have and felt seen.

[@jesusangelespinosasalgado9430]

​@@craigmmcgillI agree... People better start to use terminology with more responsibility... Projecting could be just harmful. Let's not forget a 18 year old was pushed to come out as bi for people using their "queerbait" stones to just hate on the kid for not knowing how and when to use that term.

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

Fraser made false accusations against Philip Berk for remarks Berk made at the luncheon regarding Tom Cruise, Brendan, and their respective publicists at the time. Brendan couldn't care less about #metoo victims.

[@outinsider]

@@ifyouonlyknew811 His accusations are not disproven, though his not caring about #metoo victims is just typical unaccountable masculinity.

[@claudettewright365]

@@ifyouonlyknew811Oh, look. It’s the obsessed Fraser hater drone again! Haven’t seen you in a while!

[@Jared_Wignall]

The most deserved Academy Award winner of the past Oscars. While some may not be the biggest fans of The Whale, I don’t see many arguing the performances in it aren’t well done, especially the lead performance by Brendan Fraser. Fraser gave the best performance in the lead actor category and it was great to see the whole comeback narrative that had been talked about a lot with him as of late basically come full circle with him winning the Oscar. I thought Austin Butler and Colin Farrell did a great job in their films, so I wouldn’t have been too disappointed had either of them won, but I really wanted to see Fraser win and glad he did, though I do think it’s interesting how Farrell didn’t get any any other major awards after the Golden Globe, such as the BAFTA. Great video Brian, keep up the great work. Take care!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks, Jared, you’re the best!

[@80steen44]

😂 yet Brendan Fraser couldn't win with international bodies who weren't influenced by his comeback narrative or melodramatics in public the way soft Americans were. Austin Butler won with non American voters vs Fraser for the Foreign Press Golden Globe, UK BAFTA, Catalonia Sant Jordi, Australia AACTA International and Irish International category at IFTA where at IFTA Fraser wasn't even nominated, and Butler was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world and no Fraser again. Showing that outside of the States his performance on it's own merits without the personal story and pandering for votes meant nothing. And his performances minus the fat suit we've seen a million times and will again, and his dramatics were no better than even Austin's when his mother died, Priscilla leaves and when he's screaming at Parker on stage and yelling at him or Vernon in the hotel. Plus, Butler basically played 3 different people on and of the stage over 3 deacdes and tbh much of what he nailed whet over the heads of non avid Elvis fans. Fraser's performance couldn't even elevate it to a best picture nomination at the Oscars in Dec out of 10 slots before the narrative kicked in. Best Picture is the only category where the entire academy votes on both the nominees and winners. So magically in March the same group who didn't nominate the picture supposedly voted for him as actor, when since it went to 10 films in 2009 only Jeff Bridges, in the first year of the expansion, won actor without being in a best picture nominated film, and he won on narrative too being a previous 4 time Oscar nominee. Since then, 13 years, you couldn't win actor or actress if your performance wasn't good enough to elevate the movie to a best picture nomination out of 10 openings. The Oscars giving the Whale hair and makeup was a clear sign of bias against "Elvis". The Whale crew only did what Elvis did with Tom Hanks alone, and Fraser was 50 percent computer generated imaging. Plus Elvis had to do Butler and all the co stars and extras to represent 3 decades. The Whale didn't win a single precursor hair and makeup award, not even Critics Choice which gave Fraser actor where as Elvis won most of them. The Oscars have never been objective

[@Jared_Wignall]

@@80steen44 Fraser’s performance has more staying power than Butler’s. Not that Butler’s was bad, but it didn’t stay with me the way Fraser’s did. I guess I never felt he was truly Elvis like many did. Plus I don’t think Fraser was ever going to win the Golden Globe due to how he spoke about not going to the ceremony as well as the past he’s had with them. I thought Colin Farrell had a better chance at the BAFTA then anyone else in Best Actor, but I guess he just didn’t have as much love compared to his cast members.

[@80steen44]

@@Jared_Wignall Fraser was favored by many to win the Golden Globe because he didn't submit a nomination request, and they nominated him anyway when they didn't have to based on their own protocol. As well, There were some who felt his nomination gave him a great chance based on the narrative of the Hollywood Foreign Press trying to make things right. But Fraser's issue wasn't with the body of international voters of the Foreign Press and they had no issue with him. The problem was with the higher ups who actually nominated him, meaning he had equal chance of winning with those who vote for the winner as Butler. The staying power of Frase's performance doesn't exist without the fat suit. If he acts exactly the same as a thin person and he struggles with alcohol nobody cares. And he actually offended most morbidly obese people by enhancing stereotypes of people who are extremely heavy as being individuals who are that way because of trauma and who love to stuff their faces. As I said, it's telling that Fraser did terrible with international bodies. There's a reason for that. SAG and the Oscars are Union members. They're in the business of vindicating people who are actors. It's their mindset as unions. Critics bodies mostly went with Colin Farrell until Fraser's narrative picked up steam and America in general does not award first lead roles, but Austin received tons of Vreakthrough Performance or Most Promising wins. That they even qualified Austin for those categories tells you how the States think. BAFTA has a Rising Star category but didn't nominate Austin for it because they know better. If Fraser was the most deserving in many years, he would have been undeniable regardless at the Globes as well as BAFTA, other international bodies and the majority of critics associations the way Will Smith, Joaquin Phoenix and Philip Seymour Hoffman were, instead of losing so much with critics to Farrell and non U.S. groups to Butler. Fraser's performance couldn't even elevate it to a best picture nomination at the Oscars in Dec out of 10 slots before the narrative kicked in. Best Picture is the only category where the entire academy votes on both the nominees and winners. So magically in March the same group who didn't nominate the picture supposedly voted for him as actor, when since it went to 10 films in 2009 only Jeff Bridges, in the first year of the expansion, won actor without being in a best picture nominated film, and he won on narrative too being a previous 4 time Oscar nominee. Since then, 13 years, you couldn't win actor or actress if your performance wasn't good enough to elevate the movie to a best picture nomination out of 10 openings. The Oscars giving the whale hair and makeup was a clear sign of bias against "Elvis". The Whale crew only did what Elvis did with Tom Hanks alone, and Fraser was 50 percent computer generated imaging. Plus Elvis had to do Butler and all the co stars and extras to represent 3 decades. The Whale didn't win a single precursor hair and makeup award, not even Critics Choice which gave Fraser actor where as Elvis won most of them. The Oscars have never been objective

[@seankoontz4235]

I marked Brendan Fraser on my ballot, then changed it to Austin a week before. Whoops 😄

[@TheAwardsContender]

Haha, I think a lot of people did!

[@therealangelosettler]

I feel like getting a lifetime one played a part in Jamie winning

[@shawncarter5434]

Hopefully Austin Butler wins a Oscar in the future. He has talent and great acting skills

[@TheAwardsContender]

Absolutely!

[@claudettewright365]

He will!

[@segunsaba7646]

Elvis and the banshees of Inisherin are my best. With or without winning

[@TheAwardsContender]

Nice!

[@AbbeBuck]

Here is how I KNEW Brendan Fraser was going to win an Academy Award. Early May last year, I watched “Elvis”. Hanks was not good. Austin Butler even sang gospel! He was a great Elvis Aaron! Then around six months later I was watching SAG Awards, and I’m watching Brendan Fraser win the SAG over Austin Butler…What? Are you kidding? The Mummy? No Sudden Move’s Doug? He walked through the audience to receive his award and his face was covered in tears. He talked about the ocean, yeomen, his crew and the sea, and Whales and quoted Herman Melville…and then he told us to go “Go To The Light”. I was amazed. The next day I saw “The Whale”, and I met Charlie. I watched the movie twice that day. Brendan Fraser knew that character, too. An Actor Prepares and tells the story. Between Butler and Fraser, Fraser had the odds because it was a performance a Spencer Tracy or Dana Andrews in “The Ox Bow Incident” has given. You can still remember it after seeing it 25 years ago. Thank you, Abbe Buck Hann

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great point!

[@nitpicker12]

I think that deep elvis voice ruined butler's chances. He kept tamking like that that it becane annoyibg

[@TheAwardsContender]

Good point!

[@jeffreywillstewart]

As a gay man, it seems to me a little Hollywood virtue signaling to give Oscar's repeatedly awarding for roles of doomed flawed gay characters ( Philadelphia , Monster, etc. ). Like they like seeing gays suffer. It's not like these movies went to show us how wonderful they were.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Could have been reason 11, good point!

[@BozeDoesGodsWork]

To be honest that’s just media and people in general. They always see lgbt stories as this sad forbidden romance and drama. It’s a stereotype that’s long outdated imo. Same goes for when black people are only awarded for playing drug dealers, criminals, and flawed individuals.

[@emilyvenegas1100]

I REALLLYYYY wanted Austin to win but it’s probably for the best that he didn’t. His performance as Elvis electrified me and reignited my love for movies. But looking back, I think it might have back-fired against him if he won. People seem obsessed with trying to humble him for some reason. He’s a huge sweetheart but many seem to dislike him regardless. Aronofsky choosing Austin to lead his next film Caught Stealing is really interesting to me. I’ve read the book and it’s going to be such a great role for Austin. Lots of torture and violence lol. I think Aronofsky really wants Austin to win an Oscar too. I’m sooooo excited for them to work together!!!

[@victoria2050nin]

I sobbed throughout the entire movie!

[@TheAwardsContender]

I cried too!

[@Dark_Mermaid]

Over a year after this oscar ceremony and what I see is an Austin Butler still living, speaking and looking like elvis. The whole thing with Vanessa coming into light made him very unlikeable in hollywood. I'm so happy this went to Fraser instead of Butler

[@rohitkarki4498]

Loves yours reactions brian

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks!

[@melisagalvalizi6982]

Can you do a richard burton and the elusive oscar?? please!!!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Great idea!

[@melisagalvalizi6982]

@@TheAwardsContender yes!!! it would be good to discuss why he never won, especially for virginia woolf.

[@BlueMilkTea443]

He really really totally deserved it❤❤❤❤

[@giovannytravels5677]

Brendan Fraser deserved to win that Oscar He was phenomenal in the Whale.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Agreed!!

[@Price70]

This is not an attack on Brendan Fraser. I'm Generation X and he's part of my youth. No one wished him well anymore than me. Austin Butler won from as far off as South Africa, Spain, Australia, Portugal, Ireland and the UK, and others from bodies that represent 20 to 50 different countries, and many of those wins were head to head vs Fraser, including the highly prestigious Golden Globe and BAFTA. Still, incase anyone was wondering, SAG is a union. Unions are in the business of compensating people who have been wronged. A guy who was sexually assaulted and blacklisted in Hollywood wasn't not going to win a union award, especially after his tearful Critics Choice speech went viral. Once he won SAG he had another tearful viral speech six days before Oscar voting opened. The largest body of voters at the Oscars are the actors from SAG. The next largest groups are the directors and producers who actually wouldn't employ Fraser for so long. They for sure had obligatory guilt votes. Reparation. Beyond that, every anonymous Oscar ballot released for Fraser mentioned his sentimental story, and every expert predictor with inside info that predicted Fraser said they were doing so because of his narrative. Every anonymous Oscar ballot released for Austin only mentioned his performance and some for for Colin Farrell or Fraser even said it was because they've always liked them and Austin will have more chances. Another for Farrell said "Even though I'm voting for Colin I can tell you right now that Brendan Fraser is going to win." That sounds pretty shady A closer examination of Austin's wins as lead actor. Hollywood Foreign Press Golden Globe, Drama category. The third most celebrated acting award in the world and probably second to the average U.S. citizen. Represents 50 different countries and has been around since 1944. It doesn't matter that Brendan Fraser boycotted the ceremony. He wouldn't have won this one regardless. Austin did exceptionally well with international bodies, with 9 of his 12 lead wins coming from non U.S. groups. Also, they didn't even have to nominate Fraser because he didn't submit consideration to be nominated, yet his performance was good enough to gain a nomination against their own protocol. The Foreign Press had offered Fraser two formal apologies in the past and held no grudges. As well, the ones who nominated him are the ones who he had a problem with, not the voters from around the world. He had as much chance of winning as Austin. Some even predicted a Fraser win as a way for the Forgien Press to make things right. British Academy of Film and Television Arts BAFTA. The second most celebrated acting award in the world, and most prestigious in the UK and some other locations of Europe. Established in 1947. Also, the second largest film awards academy, with 7,500 film industry members. This was a massive win for Austin and far and away his biggest, and if I'm completely honest, seeing how things worked out, one he had to have. The win is especially significant when you consider he went against highly acclaimed British actor Bill Nighy, as well as Brendan Fraser and Colin Farrell, and Farrell was part of a UK produced film and both supporting role wins came from that production. Australian AACTA Domestic and International versions. With the movie "Elvis" being made in Australia it may appear that the domestic version would be an automatic for Austin. Still, it's 900 members so nothing is a given, and of the other 4 actors in Australian made films, 3 of them were Australian actors in Australian made films. The international version win was significant because not only did he have to go against Farrell and Fraser, but also widely loved Australian actor Hugh Jackman, and for a ceremony which gave actress to Australian Cate Blanchett. Irish Film and Television Academy IFTA (International Category) The second largest body of voters Austin won with at 1,000. Between it and the BAFTA it further solidified his greatness in that part of the world. International Press Academy Satellite. Represents 20 different countries. Fraser won here for the Drama category and Austin for Comedy or Musical. Austin had to beat Colin Farrell in the same category Farrell won for at the Golden Globes. Meaning that Austin won two international media awards in two seperate categories vs Farrell in one (Satellite) and Fraser in the other (Golden Globe) Catalonia Spain Sant Jordi. Won here for actor in a Forgien Film from a media group that's been awarding films since 1957. Often their foreign film winners are from Spanish descent but outside of Spain, so Austin's win here is pretty impressive. Sunset Circle and Minnesota Film Critics, These, like most film critics bodies are small groups but I really dig these two wins because they went against the grain for Austin. U.S. Film critics are well known to prefer slow and/or dark performances. This is why Colin Farrell won over 30 of them and Brendan Fraser about 20. Austin in his defense was nominated by a whopping 50 U.S. film critics bodies, which says a lot when you consider that Rami Malek as Freddie Mercury only got about 20 and Taron Egerton as Elton John only a handful. Think about that. Rami Malek who eventually was given a Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA and Oscar, received 30 less U.S. film critics nominations than Austin did. Also, of those 50 U.S. critics nominations, a few of them had breakthrough performance categories of which Austin won 11. His other two for breakthrough were with Film Festivals for a total of 13. CinEuphoria and South African Online Film Critics. Two non U.S. film critics groups. CinEuphoria was shared with Fraser in their international category, but the more impressive is South African Online Film Critics. They were established back in 1990 before they could even be online. Traditionally their nominations and wins are for films and performances of African interest and by those who are African or of African descent. Austin winning here really speaks to the magnitude of his performance. People's Choice. A pretty cool win voted on by the people online That's 12 lead actor wins, combined with 13 Breakthrough Performance wins for a total of 25. And Austin was named to Time's 100 most influential people in the world. Showing his portrayal of Elvis Presley had an impact globally.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Very interesting, thanks for sharing!

[@kellie-nd1yp]

I love that Brendan Fraser won! The film is not the easiest to watch but the performances are powerful. I didn't care much for Elvis nothing against Butler but I thought he was an oddly distant figure much of the time. I don't doubt that is due to the narration by Tom Hanks and it was almost more about Tom Parker not Elvis. I have never found Hanks unwatchable even in a bad film or an ueven performace he's still watchable this was different. I wasn't sure I would make it throught the movie listening to him. I don't think they gave Elvis as much depth as the could have. With Fraser it's an emotional performance that doesn't go too far and I thought had more impact than Butler did in Elvis .Farrell would actually be my second choice.I have mixed feelings about the film but I thought Farrell had more of a character arc than I expected it's not showy but I felt he was different at the end . The hair and makeup award with best lead performace also happened last year. I think it also happend when Marion Coitllard won.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, excellent point!

[@tbam73]

You were not wrong. JLC performed was not the strongest in her category. 3rd or 4th. But hey, shrug

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!

[@chazarcola7639]

BRENDAN FRASER won the Oscar because : 1. he is a ME TOO victim who was sexually harassed by a Golden Globes official. 2. he plays a GAY character who DIES at the end. 3. The Whale is an ANTI CHRISTIAN movie.

[@charlesalbertnisperosrn5269]

He deserved it! Besides, butler would get more chances in the future. Another factor i think why fraser won, is it's Hollywood's way of saying "we're sorry".

[@TheAwardsContender]

Could be for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@sherrysaunders3445]

Austin deserved it!! He worked long and hard in this role; he put everything he had in his performance as Elvis. He was robbed. Hollywood's way of saying they're sorry?! Give me a break!! It was a sympathy win.

[@DYA9091]

Sympathy, the "academy" loves comeback narratives, and political "correctness", plus it's a good way to shut him up, he can't keep crying and complaining now.

[@perryjones7771]

The fact that Angela still hasn’t won angers me.

[@tylernaze8020]

The MCU isn't exactly the academy award magnet. especially when she was the first acting nomination

[@rafaelcruz9973]

I wish Angela was in The Color Purple this year. Now that she's back in the Academy's radar, this would've been the perfect opportunity for her to actually take it

[@perryjones7771]

@@tylernaze8020 true that but she should have at least 3-4 by now it’s Oscar worthy performance after Oscar worthy performance. They want her to pull a Halle Berry and she isn’t doing that.

[@TheAwardsContender]

One more great film role, and I bet she’ll take it.

[@perryjones7771]

@@TheAwardsContender she should have at least three by now like WHAT!!!!

[@80steen44]

Here's the hypocrisy of it all. Tom Hanks does a fat suit and gets crucified. Brendan Fraser does fat suit and gets adored. Austin Butler studies a guy nothing like him for 2 years then struggles to shake a voice and gets ridiculed. Brendan Fraser plays himself as an emotionally damaged guy then continues to act that way and gets loved.

[@roxy5588]

Perfect summary.

[@tbam73]

The Academy is fickle. Hilary Swanks biggest role before Boys Dont Cry I believe was a bad Karate Kid sequel. She still won Best Actress as a fresh face

[@TMan-77]

Such a non deserving win. Fat suit and a feel sorry for me performance aided by a comeback narrative. Worst win in decades. Austin acted circles around Brendan. Austin channeled Elvis and blew me away with how I saw the man and not the actor. Austin is the true winner. Oscars are now a joke anyway. It’s now all about politics, comebacks and inclusions and not about who did the best in their given craft.

[@albalbuena6478]

I would have given the Oscar to Paul Mescal for AFTERSUN. His performance stayed with me long after the movie. Frankie Corio, who played his young daughter, deserved a Best Supporting Actress nomination. In that category, I thought that eventual winner Jamie Lee Curtis and Angela Bassett were the two weakest and didn’t deserve to be there. Corio and Polly DeLeon from TRIANGLE OF SADNESS should have been nominated instead.

[@Dim4323]

Also Tom Hanks was playing Col Tom Parker i bet no one never heard of the person. Were people said John Goodman would've played him, but i guess he was too busy.

[@dannielleburrus6117]

With Brendan Fraiser and Michelle Yeoh both winning in the lead actor categories in 2023, it was the most satisfying Oscars in years. I stood up and cheered in my living room with actual tears in my eyes!

[@nycgallagher8453]

mazing years for acting , i think is very well done the result , i love it.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!

[@roxy5588]

I definately think Austin will win an Oscar one day he richly deserves it. He will have an amazing career. Update: I saw the Whale a few weeks ago and Brian I can see why Brendan won the Oscar. His performance blew me away and it has stuck with me ever since. Brendan’s performance in the Whale was so impressive that it has made me a fan. It was simply so beautiful. He is a total sweetheart of a man and a fantastic actor. ❤️❤️❤️

[@garynzilla]

I’ve got a sneaky feeling Butler will be nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Dune: Part Two at next year’s Oscar’s ceremony. Sure, it’s a genre piece, but that didn’t stop Angela Bassett.

[@elizabethhumphries6835]

I think we should also look at Fraser's humility vs. Butler's cockiness in the run-up. It was a year in which authenticity and vulnerability were the "It" emotions, and Fraser (and Curtis) had a lock on those, while Butler (and Bassett) were playing the opposite tone. Both Butler and Bassett are worthy of the Oscar, and I hope they have future work that gets recognized and that aligns with the zeitgeist.

[@kellie-nd1yp]

I agree with this. Not that Butler and Bassett are not good actors and worthy but the difference in attitude was obvious. Blanchett going on a bit of a rant at critics choice too. I always preferred Michelle Yeoh’s performance but I think that had a minor impact on the race.

[@94ILAH]

Angela Bassett was cocky during the campaign? Y'all be saying any thing! LMAO!

[@jonathanvelazquezph.d.2719]

🤔

[@ifyouonlyknew811]

Brendan's "humility" was just part of his PR campaign starting back in 2016 with the AOL interview. He saw how the public responded and knew how to use it. Watch interviews from the 90's/early 2000's. He was anything but humble.

[@newbeeify]

What cockiness are you talking about? Austin only talked about his job and his role.... It was the narrative the internet created to bring him down. Watch his interviews, he has always been humble

[@bb22602]

This was a very wet Oscar ceremony - EVERYBODY was crying - recipients, presenters, audience, etc. Harrison Ford, everybody! LOVED it and so good to see Ke Huy Quan again.

[@gabrielcastaneda9700]

If you wanted the for acting wins for EEAAO Ke huy quan would of had to have been a lead actor Keep Michelle Stephanie And Jamie And put James hong supporting

[@TheAwardsContender]

I don’t think Hong could’ve won, but Quan in Lead Actor was possible!

[@Awardsexpert]

You tagged Austin Butler. His camp watching this won't change the view from them, or even Colin Farrell's group, that America gifted Brendan Fraser their trophies over his personal narrative of being sexually assaulted and exiled. That was literally Fraser's campaign strategy. Brendan Fraser as Charlie is still Brendan Fraser. An emotionally damaged, big hearted guy. That's who the U.S. saw in Charlie beyond the prosthetics. All four winners in the acting categories at SAG and the Oscars this year were all heavy narrative. The agenda was clear, and anyone who's objective can see that. I can't tell you how many times on various social media such as KZbin, FB, Instagram, TikTok, people actually say Fraser deserved it because of all he's been through, or Fraser had the better narrative, or Austin Butler will have more chances. As if that is part of the category for best performance. They don't even realize they're admitting exactly what Austin Butler fans or Elvis fans are claiming. I don't feel sorry for Austin Butler though, he won the Golden Globe, the BAFTA and several other awards around the world. But even without Fraser's non acting criteria, it was very difficult for Butler being a sex symbol playing sex symbol in his first lead role. That's why in the states he had so many breakout role wins. It's the culture of the U.S. to not respect you under those circumstances. They see your best actor nominations as your win because of your lack of experience.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Interesting perspective. Thanks for watching!

[@SandauxBeats]

Also, maybe the Oscars was leaning away from lead singer stories, perhaps? Bohemian Rhapsody (Rami Malek)?

[@charliedameliodunkinfanpag6462]

Well done Brendan👍🇭🇷♥️

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!

[@RodneyDollar]

Could why Michelle yeoh won the Oscar video be next 🤩🤩🤩🫶🫶

[@TheAwardsContender]

😀

[@SoulKnightKing]

Shoukda been Butler. No one said he was too young, the, people were saying that people will thinks he's too young itself. Fraser cried in a fat suit. Let's be honest, Fraser did not give a Blanchett performance, other actors coulda played Charlie. Not just anyone coulda played Elvis. Butler transformed and won his BAFTA and Drama Globe for merit. He lost the Oscar because narrative meant everything this year which is sad when the award is supposed to honor merit. Not narrative. Heck Farrell or Nighy actually acted better.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching! Butler was fantastic.

[@lonellfletcher]

I hate this because I love Brendan, but I just couldn't get past the film to appreciate his performance in The Whale. He may have won the Oscar but the film and the way it frames Charlie is so grotesque and cruel rather than sensitive and understanding. I couldn't get to the heart of Charlie, whereas I was transfixed by Austin's otherworldly yet grounded take on Elvis.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Butler was amazing!

[@stephaniestanley8041]

Because he wore the fat suit

[@andrsmaldo]

A24 are campaign wizards. That's how he (and Yeoh) won.

[@victorodia5878]

Still, waiting on Sandra Bullock’s video

[@TheAwardsContender]

May 30!

[@Dim4323]

Yeah Need to do a Why Elvis flopped at the oscars And disect why it flopped at the oscars and why the oscars snubbed it.

[@dbagdon]

Though I have enjoyed Brendan's work over the years Austin Butler should have won Best Avtor

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!

[@FantasticBeasts2024]

Brendan was irritating to me throughout the oscars season

[@susanbarco2579]

Sorry, but Fraser’s was a sympathetic win. Austin actually put the work in, and his performance was spot on!

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thanks for watching!

[@sherrysaunders3445]

Totally agree!! Austin's performance was phenomenal. It's like he became Elvis. He was robbed.

[@dannielleburrus6117]

You think wearing that insanely heavy suit, acting through impressive facial makeup, and telling the story of a 600 pound recluse through extreme trauma and grief, wasn't work for Brendan Fraiser? Get the heck out of here! Austin Butler was great as Elvis but for me, Brendan's was the more emotionally impactful performance. The Academy agreed.

[@sherrysaunders3445]

@@dannielleburrus6117 Austin Butler should've won the Oscar; he was robbed. He was phenomenal as Elvis; it's like he became Elvis. He worked so hard in the role. He deserved that Oscar. And, by the way, since Brendan Fraser "won" the Oscar, how come nobody has heard nothing more from him whereas Austin has three movies coming out and has a fragrance?

[@cellardoor4199]

my only question is... why did bill nighy clap like that? was he giving the academy the finger? or does he have arthritis ? serious question, not making fun of him.

[@coryrudy98]

I'm not even watching this video, but I just read the title and commented. Why did Brendan Fraser win the Oscar? Because he was amazing in The Whale. Butler was a phone-in performance, where he acted like he was "too in character" to leave the voice. Brendan Fraser just straight up acted, and it was the best performance of the year. Why else would an actor win the Academy award?

[@pamr5486]

I just watched The Whale and totally get why he won.

[@Wired4Life2]

Cool with Fraser, but that should’ve been Farrell’s Oscar, and it’ll forever suck that it isn’t. Not to mention, the fact that the nostalgia factor helped Fraser cross the finish line makes me even more depressed that Michael Keaton couldn’t win for _Birdman,_ which triumphed in Best Picture, Director, Original Screenplay, and Cinematography. Meanwhile, _The Whale_ overcame its absence in Best Picture with its two wins.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Yes, excellent point about Keaton!

[@matinacitrus]

Don't ever be mean to Brendan Fraser. He won, that's a fact. He needs people to get him out of the pit, that means all of us who are still behind him.

[@daisyperegrino6380]

Not all Critic Choice award win an Oscar..Bale won on Critic Choice but he didn't win an Oscar..It's Rami Malek got the Oscar

[@doncasto8520]

Great analysis. Fraser was brilliant and deserving.

[@TheAwardsContender]

Thank you, agreed!

[@amberanthony883]

Why isn’t young Shiv a blonde. The brunette coloring is all off. You can dye hair, but not change the skin.