Heartfelt Play Turned Film Written By Idaho Man Snubbed By Oscars

Of the 10 films nominated by the Academy Awards panel in the "best picture" category, I've managed to see all but two. One movie that was hands down my favorite of 2022 is called The Whale.

The Whale stars Brendan Fraser and Sadie Sink (Stranger Things) and is about an obese school teacher who works remotely from home and is rapidly deteriorating from his condition. Fraser plays "Charlie," who desperately wants to reconnect with his estranged daughter before it's too late. The film, in my opinion, is the most important and profound picture released last year.

Director Darren Aronofsky adapted the play written by Moscow, Idaho, native Samuel D. Hunter to the big screen. Hunter's script tells his account of growing up as a gay man in northern Idaho, and his experiences with friends and family.

Get our free mobile app

Brendan Fraser is nominated for "best actor in a leading role" for The Whale at the upcoming Oscars on March 12. The movie didn't receive a nomination for "best film," which is a travesty. I've seen eight of the 10 films that are nominated in this category, and none of them are even close to as good as the story written by Hunter.

I will say that I greatly enjoyed All Quiet on the Western Front, Top Gun: Maverick, The Fabelmans, Elvis, and Avatar: The Way of Water, which are all nominated for "best picture." I'm very happy that Hunter's script is receiving the international attention it is and deserves, but I'm very disappointed The Whale doesn't get the opportunity to win the Idaho native the most sought-after Academy Award.