Brendan Fraser inThe Whale(2022).Photo: A24/YouTube

brendan fraser, sadie sink

ForBrendan Fraser, getting into character for his role inThe Whaletook more than just mental preparation and acting chops.

The prosthetics — which earned the film an Oscar nod in the Best Makeup and Hairstyling category — included layers of fake skin and an entire facial makeover complete with hair implants. The actor sat patiently, scrolling through his phone, while the team did their extensive work on him.

Fraser also became afirst-time Oscar nomineefor his performance as Charlie — a feat he was “absolutely overjoyed” over.

“I wouldn’t have this nomination without [director] Darren Aronofsky, [writer]Samuel D. Hunter, A24 and the extraordinary cast and crew who gave me the gift of Charlie,” the actor continued. “A gift I certainly didn’t see coming, but it’s one that has profoundly changed my life. THANK YOU!”

A24

The Whale Director Darren Aronofsky Says Backlash to Brendan Fraser’s Casting ‘Makes No Sense to Me’

The star received a similar nod from theGolden Globes, but slammed the show after previously accusing former Hollywood Foreign Press Association President Philip Berk ofsexually assaulting him in 2003— anddid not show up to the ceremony, nor desire the award, which he compared to a"hood ornament.“Berk has denied the accusation.

Fraser, however, felt entirely differently aboutthe Oscars, sharing with PEOPLE thefeeling of anticipationhe feels for the awards ceremony.

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2023 Oscar Portfolio

“I’ve been tothe Oscarstwice before, and I know the anticipation that builds up to that moment when before the envelope is opened, and there’s something unique about it,” he said.

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Fraser continued, “Because in that microsecond between when the presenter opens the envelope and speaks the name, something interesting happens when you see the presenter acknowledge who it is, and for a momentary tiny moment they know before they say anything, and it’s as if suddenly everything becomes timeless.”

Tune intothe Oscarslive on ABC on March 12 at 8pm ET.

source: people.com