Last night another big pre-Oscars awards show took place, seeing Bohemian Rhapsody nominated in two categories. While the Queen movie lost out to Black Panther in the Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture category, Malek did once again win the lead male acting award despite a two horse race with Vice’s Christian Bale. Adding to his Golden Globe win, the 37-year-old took to the stage at the SAG awards to accept his prize and once again paid tribute to Freddie Mercury. Thanking the cast first, Malek said: “And this ensemble, that is so extraordinary to me, that carried me through every moment on this film. Thank you.”
Malek continued: “I have anecdotes about what it is to be an actor and delivering pizzas, and stuff like that, but I will spare you.
“I thank Queen and Freddie Mercury. I get some power from him that is about stepping up and living your best life.
“Being exactly who you want to be and accomplishing everything you so desire.
“And I feel that, and he allows us all to feel that. So this is again for him, thank you very much.”
Queen guitarist Brian May congratulated Malek on his Instagram, writing: “Congratulations Rami – epic win ! Bri.”
Malek’s win at the SAG Awards wasn’t always a dead cert, after Christian Bale took both male acting gongs at the Critics’ Choice Awards.
The pair go head to head once again in two weeks time at the BAFTAs, before the big showdown at the Oscars on February 24.
Malek remains the favourite overall for the Academy Award, with odds of 11/8 to Bale’s 2/1.
RAMI MALEK ON HIS ‘INCREDIBLY SHOCKING’ OSCAR NOMINATION