Brendan Fraser won the Oscar for best actor for “The Whale,” a breakthrough portrayal that revitalized his once-promising career.

“I began my career in this industry 30 years ago, and things did not come easily,” said an emotional Fraser on stage Sunday night. “I would want to thank you for this recognition.”

Brendan Fraser

Fraser was one of five first-time candidates in the category, marking the first time since 1935 that this has occurred. Fraser defeated Austin Butler from “Elvis”, Colin Farrell from “The Banshees of Inisherin”, Paul Mescal from “Aftersun”, and William Nighy from “Living.”

Fraser believes the character of Charlie, a 600-pound reclusive gay English teacher who attempts to repair his relationship with his adolescent daughter, came to him at the ideal time.

Fraser has stated that he would not have had the life experience or heartbreak to play a character with misery, agony, and life-threatening obesity if he had begun his profession sooner.

“I believe this picture will alter some hearts and minds, and that makes me feel great,” he added backstage.

Fraser’s performance garnered him standing ovations at the Venice and Toronto film festivals, and early acclaim continued to grow throughout the autumn and winter. In addition to the highest praise of his career, he also received a SAG Award for his portrayal. Along the way, he has delivered tearful acceptance speeches without fear.

His eyes were rimmed with crimson as he held the Oscar in one hand, visibly affected by the response of his Hollywood colleagues.

“This has been tremendously satisfying and uplifting, and it has taught me humility and thankfulness,” he added backstage.

It’s a career revival, something Hollywood has always adored.

The Canadian-American actor, age 54, rose to prominence in the early 1990s with the comedies “Encino Man” and “School Ties.” He appeared on the movie posters for “George of the Jungle” and “The Mummy” trilogy, in which he co-starred with Michelle Yeoh, a fellow Oscar winner. He portrayed dramatic characters in “Gods and Monsters,” “The Quiet American,” and “Crash,” the 2006 best picture winner.

He has his fair share of failed endeavors.

Eventually, Fraser almost vanished.

Many years passed as he dealt with a variety of personal concerns, including divorce, his mother’s death, health issues, and an alleged attack by the head of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. As a result, he did not attend this year’s Golden Globes.

Before he appeared in Steven Soderbergh’s film “No Sudden Move” two years ago, he recovered professional momentum with a string of cable television episodes.

Currently, he possesses one of the most prestigious awards in film.

He responded, “I hope I can live up to this.”