2019 Oscars: Rami Malek wins Best Actor for ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’

Rami Malek took home the prize best actor at the 2019 Academy Awards for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in the Queen biopic Bohemian Rhapsody at last night’s (24th February) ceremony.

https://twitter.com/QueenWillRock/status/1099891446902128640

Despite being the award’s front-runner leading up the night, Malek was visibly surprised at the news; sharing a kiss with Lucy Boynton, his co-star, and real-life girlfriend, before venturing onto the stage and proclaiming just three words to convey his astonishment: “Oh my God.”

Citing the initial reaction to his casting in his speech, Malek noted: “I may not have been the obvious choice, but I guess it worked out.”

It’s a landmark win which sees Malek become the first actor of Arab heritage to win of the ‘Best Actor’ accolade in Oscars’ history.

A first-generation American son to Egyptian parents, the actor gave an emotional thank you to his mother and late father for all of their support: “My mom is in here somewhere – oh, I love you lady, my dad didn’t get to see me do any of this, but I think he’s looking down on me right now.”

Malek went on to thank Queen and the iconic frontman he portrayed, “for letting me be the tiniest part of your phenomenal, extraordinary legacy. I am forever in your debt.”

It’s been a busy award season for Malek, who already bagged Best Actor for his performance as Mercury at the 2019 Golden Globes.

Despite the controversy around his casting ahead of the film’s screening, fans were quickly won over by Malek’s commitment to the role.

Notably, a viral video which compares the actor’s portrayal of Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody with the singer’s real Live Aid performance revealed how accurately the actor recreates every move – understandable, as Malek later stated that he watched the performance 1,500 times in anticipation for his role.

Photo via ROB LATOUR/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK