The controversy around 'The Whale' Oscar win for best makeup and hairstyling

David Oliver, USA TODAY
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Brendan Fraser picked up his first Oscar for "The Whale" on Sunday night, capping an extraordinary return to Hollywood following the hardships he's faced in his career, including being sexually assaulted.

The film, where Fraser played a 600-pound online writing instructor, also won for best makeup and hairstyling.

This win angered some viewers, who questioned the use of prosthetics in the film. "The Whale winning for best makeup is so upsetting to me bc like ... you just won an award for making a skinny guy fat? Neat," one Twitter user wrote. Some experts have argued roles like this should go to actors who naturally have these body types.

On Sunday, others defended the costume team for "The Whale."

"That whole prosthetic for 'The Whale' is so amazing," wrote a Twitter user. Another added: "Wonderful prosthetic work!"

Fraser said of wearing the extra pounds earlier this year: "When the costume came off, I could still feel the undulation and I grew to appreciate how strong physically and emotionally a person of that size has to be."

Wherever you land on the issue, it's clear Hollywood could always benefit from more representation.

Brendan Fraser, who won the best actor Oscar for "The Whale," enjoys his new trophy backstage at the 95th Academy Awards.
Brendan Fraser, who won the best actor Oscar for "The Whale," enjoys his new trophy backstage at the 95th Academy Awards.

A conversation about who gets cast

In a perfect world, anyone would be able to play any role. But we don't live in a perfect world, and many A-list actors are thin.

"In the meantime, at the very least, I think that instead of having thin actors wear our bodies like a costume, fat actors should be cast in fat roles," activist and Dances With Fat blogger Ragen Chastain previously told USA TODAY. The controversy also bubbled up several years ago when Sarah Paulson played Linda Tripp in FX series "Impeachment: American Crime Story."

"Why not just pick people that fit the range of actors and different body types that would be appropriate for this role?" Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, previously told USA TODAY.

"The Whale," where Brendan Fraser (pictured) played a 600-pound online writing instructor, also won for best makeup and hairstyling.
"The Whale," where Brendan Fraser (pictured) played a 600-pound online writing instructor, also won for best makeup and hairstyling.

Conversations have shifted over time as to who can play what part. Debates have raged over whether LGBTQ people should be played by straight and cisgender people.

Still, one couldn't help but feel the joy coming from Fraser as he beamed during his acceptance speech. "I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement. It's like I've been on a diving expedition," he said.

More on Brendan Fraser and the Oscars

Aww: Brendan Fraser wins best actor Oscar for 'The Whale' and proves nice guys can finish first

Special: Brendan Fraser, his trauma and the joy of a comeback story

The full list: Oscars winners 2023: Brendan Fraser, Michelle Yeoh and all those who took home gold at Academy Awards.

An inside look: Jamie Lee Curtis quips 'don't cancel me,' Brendan Fraser in shock: What we saw backstage at the Oscars

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'The Whale' wins Oscar for best makeup, hairstyling, causing backlash