Oscars 2023: Not just their Academy wins, Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan have a deeper connection

What a remarkable day it has been for these two glorious actors, Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan.

At the 95th Academy Awards that took place at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California on Monday (March 13), the world witnessed Ke Huy Quan creating history as the Vietnam-born actor won his first Oscar for his role as Waymond Wang in Everything Everywhere All At Once. The actor, who got emotional during his speech, has taken home the Best Supporting Actor trophy.

Fighting back tears, Ke Huy Quan said, “My journey started on a boat. I spent a year in a refugee camp. Somehow I ended up here on Hollywood's biggest stage. They say stories like this only happen in the movies. I cannot believe it's happening to me. This is the American dream.”

Although Everything Everywhere All At Once has swept all the major awards—the film has won seven out of 11 nominations at Oscars 2023—it was Brendan Fraser’s Best Actor winning speech for The Whale that got everyone teary-eyed.

Fraser, too, while fighting back tears, said in his speech, “So this is what the multiverse looks like. My goodness, I thank the Academy for this honor and for our studio A24 for making such a bold film. I'm grateful to (director) Darren Aronofsky for throwing me a creative lifeline and hauling me aboard the good ship The Whale. It was written by Samuel D. Hunter, who is our lighthouse... laid (their) whale-sized hearts bare so that we can see into your souls like no one else could do. Only whales can swim at the depth of the talent of Hong Chau,” said a visibly emotional Fraser.

“I started in this business 30 years ago, and things, they didn't come easily to me, but there was a facility that I didn't appreciate at the time, until it stopped. And I just want to say thank you for this acknowledgement. Because it couldn't be done without my cast. It's been like I've been on a diving expedition to the bottom of the ocean. and the air on the line (has come from) some people in my life like my sons Holden and Leland and Griffin — I love you Griffey, my manager JoAnne Colonna, (my publicist) Jennifer Plante and my best first mate Jeanne (Moore). Thank you again, each one and all. I'm so grateful to you. Goodnight,” concluded Brendan Fraser.

Yes, these two men have moved us with their speeches at the Oscars tonight, but did you know that their connection goes way beyond their Academy-winning performances? You will be surprisedd to learn that decades ago—31 years to be precise—both Fraser and Quan had featured in a comedy movie called Encino Man that was directed by now-retired American filmmaker Les Mayfield.

Entico Man, according to it’s IMDb page, has been described as:

“When they find a frozen caveman in their back yard, two high school outcasts thaw him and introduce him to modern life while he in turn gets them to actually enjoy life.”

So, what do you think of this profound life-coming-full-circle moment for these glorious actors? Let us know.