Posted by Larry Gleeson
Rami Malek Receives Outstanding Performer of the Year for his work as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody
Rami Malek arrived in Santa Barbara amidst a light rain making his way to a busy red carpet and getting under cover.
In what might have been Feinberg’s best tribute conversation, The Hollywood Reporter Awards Columnist, showed his knowledge of Malek’s work and personal life while gently nudging Malek. Slowly, Malek began to open up and the enthusiastic crowd warmed up with more than one female voice calling out their love for the honoree.
Malek continued his steady composure sharing his experience in his auditions and with his directors with humor and a steadfast commitment to his craft. After watching several clips and the audience hanging on every Malek word, Feinberg addressed “the elephant in the room,” which turned out to be the firing of Bryan Singer as Director of Bohemian Rhapsody.
Out of his respect and admiration for Freddie Mercury and the band, Queen, Malek preferred to keep the attention and focus on them.
Malek accepted the award presented by friend and actor Joseph Mazzello. Malek seemed a little pensive afterwards as he thanked the audience and exited stage right with Mazzello. Seems as though we haven’t heard the last from Rami Malek….
“Rami Malek’s portrayal as Freddie Mercury is humble and full of humanity. No one could of expressed the joy Freddie felt when performing nor the complex reality he lived offstage better than Rami.” says Roger Durling, Executive Director, Santa Barbara International Film Festival.