Following his Best Actor wins at the Golden Globes and SAG awards, it wasn’t a big surprise that Malek took the same gong at the BAFTAs. While he missed out on the Critics’ Choice Award to Christian Bale for Vice, Malek now looks incredibly likely to pick up his first Oscar later this month. The 37-year-old actor’s win was one of two of Bohemian Rhapsody’s seven nominations – with the other going to Sound. In his acceptance speech, Malek thanked Freddie Mercury, who he played in the film, calling him “the greatest outsider of them all.”
Malek said: “This is truly extraordinary. Really. Thank you to BAFTA for this gorgeous gift.
“I still cannot believe I’m included with this group of actors I so respect and admire. I share this with you guys. Every moment.
“I thank my lucky stars. It’s quite difficult entering your world in this role as an outsider.
“You Brits, you do it so well. And it’s not lost on me how sacred your musical heritage is. So, thank you, thank you, thank you, for including me.”
He added: “I have to thank Fox and New Regency and our producers – Graham King and Denis O’Sullivan and Dexter Fletcher.
“And this extraordinary cast and crew that I had the blessing…so blessed to work with every day.
“I thank you. I would not be here without each and every one of you.
“Thank you, so very much to Queen. To Brian May, to Roger Taylor, to the entire Queen family. Wouldn’t be here without you.”
He added: “And to the greatest outsider of them all.
“For being so unwavering and unflinching and uncompromising in every which way.
“Thank you Freddie Mercury again.”
The 91st Academy Awards take place on February 24 in Hollywood.
