The actor is squarely back in Hollywood and already on the minds of those thinking of the Oscars, thanks to his performance in ‘The Whale,’ which reportedly received a six-minute standing ovation after its screening at the Venice Film Festival. .
Video shared on social media showed Fraser had tears in his eyes as the audience cheered.
Directed by Darren Aronofsky, the film focuses on Fraser’s character, Charlie, a 600-pound recluse trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter.
“Stranger Things” actress Sadie Sink plays her daughter.
The ‘The Mummy’ star is being touted as a strong Oscar contender with her portrayal in the drama.
According to Variety, Fraser donned a prosthetic jumpsuit to play Charlie and he told reporters at the film festival over the weekend about the challenges of the role, including having to “learn to move in a new way.”
“I built muscles that I didn’t know I had,” Fraser said.