With the Academy Awards fast approaching, American Cinematheque looks to honorfirst-time Best ActornomineeBrendan Fraserfor his massively-beloved comeback performance inThe Whale. The non-profit organization will host Fraser-Thon, a marathon showing of four of the actor’s beloved films, at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, California, according toVariety. It’ll be a massive celebration of all things Fraser with the actor showing up for an introduction and Q&A session for the films.
The films in question that will be showcased are meant to sum up all facets of his 30-year career from his younger years as a heartthrob movie star to now as a beloved showstopper. It’ll kick off with 1992’sSchool Ties, a coming-of-age drama directed byRobert Mandelwhich features Fraser in the starring role oppositeMatt Damon. Fraser plays a star quarterback from a working-class family who gets the chance of a lifetime to attend a top-of-the-line New England prep school on an athletic scholarship, though he fears the antisemitic backlash if he tells his Evangelical classmates he’s Jewish. Following that is arguably Fraser’s signature film, the Oscar-nominatedThe Mummydirected byStephen Sommerswhere the actor stars as American adventurer Rick O’Connell and battles the all-powerful high priest Imhotep alongsideRachel WeiszandJohn Hannahafter they accidentally awaken him.
Also on the slate is Fraser’s other 1999 film, theHugh Wilsonrom-comBlast From the Past. Although it tanked at the box office, the film featured a strong cast led by Fraser in a quirky premise withAlicia Silverstone,Sissy Spacek, andChristopher Walken. In it, Fraser played a man who lived his whole life in a bomb shelter with his parents only to emerge at the age of 35 and discover there was no Soviet nuclear war and that he is way behind the times. Finally,Darren Aronofsky’sThe Whalerounds out the group, bringing in Fraser’s most recent and arguably most-acclaimed role yet. The film follows Fraser as the reclusive Charlie, an English teacher and gay man with an eating disorder who tries to reconnect with his daughter Ellie (Sadie Sink). His gut-wrenching performance has earned widespread praise throughout the film community, earning him Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards and causing a standing ovation during its Venice premiere thatbrought Fraser to tears.
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The Whalewas a success for all involved, not only earning Fraser his first Oscar nod but also proving to be a good investment for A24 who earned $20 million at the box office against a $3 million budget. In addition, Fraser’s co-starHong Chauis also up for best supporting actress for her role as Charlie’s friend and caretaker. It’s thus far the peak of the Brenaisssance that fans hope will continue on as Fraser takes on more roles like the upcomingMartin ScorseseflickKillers of the Flower Moon.
Tickets Are on Sale for the Fraser-Thon in Santa Monica
Anyone looking to attend the Fraser-Thon can now purchase tickets for the event exclusively fromAmerican Cinematheque’s website. The whole evening kicks off at 6 p.m. PST withSchool Tiesfollowed byThe Whaleat 8:00 p.m. with a Q&A and a special guest,The Mummyat 10:40 p.m. with an introduction from Fraser, and finally,Blast From the Pastat 12:45 a.m. As a sweetener, A24 is offering the first 200 guests a free “Brendan Fraser Zine.”
