Brendan Fraser

After seeing Fraser’s scene-chewing acting in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” some moviegoers are demanding he give up his Oscar. Counterpoint: Maybe his performance is genius.

When Fraser received a standing ovation for his award on Sunday night, it was clear who voted for him: an industry full of those who continue to demonize and balk at fatness.

Fraser’s emotional win came in one of the most competitive categories. In his acceptance speech, the actor thanked director Darren Aronofsky for “throwing me a creative lifeline.”

Fans are so enamored by the swell of attention the veteran actors are receiving. But their respective journeys back to the spotlight carry harsh lessons about Hollywood—and us.

It couldn’t be more delightful that the actor’s work in “The Whale” is earning him such rapturous praise. But we shouldn’t forget why he left the industry in the first place.