![]() Notwithstanding the fact that he is a great character actor who embodies his roles with depth and sophistication few have mastered, there are several characteristics that would play to Malek’s favour in softening his ethnic ‘estrangement’ and would render him a suitable candidate for success.Īs one of his cultural and ethnic identifiers, Rami Malek’s name is somewhat illusive: it is a name that evokes foreignness in an Anglo-American Hollywood while being at the same time easily pronounceable and strangely familiar. His ethnic background has been, to a certain extent, whitewashed. ![]() Yet, in their current status as global stars, their brownness seems to have been roundly and habitually washed-out.Ĭonsidering that Rami Malek is one of few Arab American actors to win such prestigious awards, the notable press releases or reports (including the BBC, The Independent, and The Guardian) following his win failed to mention that Malek is of Egyptian heritage or an Arab American. Malek was born in California to Egyptian immigrant parents while Mercury was born as Farrokh Bulsara in Zanzibar to Parsi parents from India. Malek, like the idol he embodies, comes from an ethnic minority background. ![]() The problem starts with executives and producers who are the gatekeepers of the industry and who ultimately decide which narratives and representations pass, and which are left outside the frame of recognition. However, if we delve deeper in this story of recognition, we can spot a few issues that sully the air of inclusivity being celebrated here, and rather inform on how the industry reproduces and rewards white versions of non-white representations. Notwithstanding the fact that he is a great character actor who embodies his roles with depth and sophistication few have mastered, there are several characteristics that would play to Malek’s favour in softening his ethnic estrangement” “His ethnic background has been, to a certain extent, whitewashed. These efforts included a commitment from the Academy’s Board of Governors to increase the diversity of the Academy’s members, and there was a somewhat improved ethnic representation in the Oscars’ nominations for the ensuing years.Ĭelebrating Rami Malek in the lead role for the Bohemian Rhapsody sounds like the perfect combination to tell a story of increasing diversity and inclusion in the industry: an ethnic actor in a narrative about an ethnic queer icon – multiple boxes ticked! So far, Malek has won a Golden Globe and BAFTA for Best Actor, Bohemian Rhapsody a Golden Globe for Best Drama and Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Oscars Over the years, the Academy had provoked public outrage for its perceived institutionalised racism, inspiring the #OscarsSoWhite social media campaign instigated by April Reign in 20 as a direct response to not one single person of colour gaining a nomination in the acting categories.Īttempts were made in the following years to address what was becoming an unsavoury public embarrassment, amplified and mobilised by social media. The lack of diverse representation at film industry award ceremonies – particularly within the Oscars – has increasingly struck a discordant note amidst the celebrations. Roaa Ali delves deeper into the significance of the Bohemian Rhapsody actor’s accolades ![]() "My heart goes out to anyone who has to live through anything like what I've heard and what is out there.On the face of it, Rami Malek’s Golden Globes and Oscars best actor wins following the #OscarsSoWhite controversy looks like a diversity win for the film industry. (Singer has denied all accusations.) "My situation with Bryan, it was not pleasant, not at all," the actor said. Malek's awards season has not been without controversy, however, as Bohemian Rhapsody has faced backlash in the wake of director Bryan Singer's firing and subsequent allegations of sexual misconduct. "I get to celebrate this, not only on behalf of Queen and Freddie but everyone who has a wish and a desire to fulfill their dreams." "I am over the moon about all of this," Malek told ET at the SAG Awards. The newly-minted Oscar winner previously took home his first BAFTA Award, first Golden Globe and first Screen Actors Guild Award. This year's nominees also included Christian Bale ( Vice), Bradley Cooper ( A Star Is Born), Willem Dafoe ( At Eternity's Gate) and Viggo Mortensen ( Green Book). The award was presented to Malek by last year's winner in this category, Gary Oldman, and last year's Best Supporting Actress, Allison Janney. You are beyond immensely talented," he said. "Lucy Boynton, you're the heart of this film. ![]() In addition to thanking the members of Queen for allowing him to be "the tiniest part" of their "phenomenal, extraordinary legacy," Malek gushed about his Bohemian Rhapsody cast and gave special accolades to his love. ![]()
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