The Freddie Mercury biopic soared to success in two major categories: Best Actor in a Motion Picture (Drama) for Rami Malek, and Best Motion Picture (Drama). As a result, its odds of being victorious at the Oscars next month have been massively slashed – remarkable, considering that its Rotten Tomatoes score is a solid if unspectacular 62%. Speaking backstage at the Globes, May referenced its reviews.
“The mistake that critics made was reviewing the trailer instead of reviewing the film,” he said.
Indeed, controversy brewed over the promos for the biopic, with criticism over the lack of attention paid to Mercury’s sexuality, and his fight with AIDS.
It was a criticism that was also levelled at the film itself upon its release.
“[Critics] jumped to conclusions. Once people stake their claim, it’s hard for them to withdraw,” May added.
Speaking on the red carpet at Sunday night’s ceremony, Malek spoke out on what he thought Mercury would have made of all the film’s success.
“I think he’d be tickled by it!” he told E! News.
“He was all about living his life and having the best time doing it, moment to moment.
“This would give him a big smile on his face. He’d probably want to go out and have a really good time afterwards.”
Malek was also asked whether or not he is still in touch with May and Roger Taylor, who were heavily involved in the making of the movie.
“We talk often,” he said. “We’ve become very close and it’s been one of the greatest events of my life, I guess.
“Just to do the film and then have them involved in my life and be involved in theirs, to be accepted by them…
“To be here tonight is the cherry on top of all of it.”