Brendan Fraser’s anticipated comeback in 'The Whale' is a Best Actor Oscar frontrunner

Brendan Fraser's highly-acclaimed comeback in 'The Whale' is a Best Actor Oscar frontrunner. The film emerged from the fall festival circuit and will receive a theatrical release on 9 December.

Directed by Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream, Black Swan) and A24, The Whale follows Charlie (played by Fraser), an English teacher living with obesity who has decided to eat himself to death. His pain and misery stems from the abandonment and death of his gay lover, leading to chronic binge-eating. He struggles to reconnect with his 17-year-old daughter, played by Sadie Sink. Now, the man has one last shot at redemption with his child.

Fraser's performance received high praise from critics and won a six-minute standing ovation at the Venice Film Festival. He received similar standing ovations following his screenings at the London and Toronto film festivals. Fraser is widely regarded as the best actor contender for the Oscars by the pundits.

"It felt so affirming! I was emotional because it was an acknowledgment that what we did is making an impact. And that kind of response feels completely new in my professional life," said Fraser.