The Whale’s Brendan Fraser and Afton Smith at Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala
Brendan Fraser and his partner Afton Smith were photographed on the red carpet Thursday at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards Gala, where the actor was honored for his performance in The Whale.
Fraser, 54, walked the red carpet at the Palm Springs Convention Center in a dark blue coat over a white top with a bow tie with navy pants and black shoes. She sported a very short hairstyle and wore black-rimmed glasses.
Smith, 55, donned an off-the-shoulder black embellished navy dress with a tulle cape and black strapless sandal heels. He wore his blonde locks slicked back and hoop earrings.
The Latest: Brendan Fraser, 54, and his partner Afton Smith, 55, were photographed on the red carpet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival awards gala, where the actor will be honored for his performance in The Whale .
The veteran entertainer is in the midst of a career recovery with his performance in the Darren Aronofsky-directed film, in which he plays a morbidly obese teacher named Charlie.
The buzz surrounding Fraser and her performance in the film, which also stars Sadie Sink, Hong Chau and Ty Simpkins, began last fall when she received a prolonged standing ovation following the film’s premiere at the Film Festival. from Venice.
Appearing on Late Night with Seth Meyers on Wednesday, Fraser spoke about how she “broke down in tears” upon receiving a standing ovation in Venice in September.
“That solved all the problems,” he said, noting that he “felt like there was a real story to tell about someone being locked up behind closed doors” with The Whale.
The actor walked the red carpet at the Palm Springs Convention Center in a dark blue coat over a white top with a bow tie with navy pants and black shoes.
Smith donned a navy embellished off-the-shoulder black dress with a tulle overlay and black strapless sandal heels.
Fraser posed with Hong Chau, who plays his closest confidante in the critically acclaimed film.
In a statement last monththe festival called Fraser’s performance “virtuous” and “a soaring character study of a man wrestling with the enormity of his regret, the duty of fatherhood, and the viability of goodness itself.”
Festival President Harold Matzner said in announcing the honors: “Brendan Fraser demonstrates his impressive talent in Darren Aronofsky’s powerful adaptation of The Whale.
‘Fraser delivers an extraordinary and haunting performance that paints a vivid portrait of our inability to escape our own sadness. For this award-caliber performance, we are honored to present the Spotlight Award, Actor to Brendan Fraser’.
The Indianapolis-born actor, who is also known for movies like The Mummy, Crash, Encino Man and School Ties, is one of those who will be honored at the annual movie event. Others include Viola Davis, Cate Blanchett, Austin Butler, Colin Farrell, and Sarah Polley, among others.
Chau, who plays Liz as Fraser’s Charlie in the film, introduced Fraser when he was honored with the Spotlight Award at the event.
The emotional actor appeared misty-eyed as he clutched the trophy he received for his performance.
Amid Oscar buzz surrounding his performance in the film, the two previous Spotlight Award recipients, Actor – Bryan Cranston (Trumbo) and Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) – received Academy Award nominations. for Best Actor.
The veteran entertainer is in the midst of a career comeback with his performance in the Darren Aronofsky-directed film, in which he plays a morbidly obese teacher named Charlie.
Amid Oscar buzz surrounding his performance in the film, the two previous Spotlight Award recipients, Actor – Bryan Cranston (Trumbo) and Andrew Garfield (Hacksaw Ridge) – received Academy Award nominations. for Best Actor.
Fraser has received Best Actor nominations from organizations including the Critics Choice Association, the Hollywood Critics Association, and the Satellite Awards, among others.
The festival, organized by the Palm Springs International Film Society, will run through January 16.