Bohemian Rhapsody actor Rami Malek has taken out the award for Best Actor, using his acceptance speech to shine a light on his family's heritage and the importance of diverse storytelling.
“We made a film about a gay man, an immigrant, who lived his life just unapologetically himself,” Malek said.
"The fact that I’m celebrating him and this story with you tonight is proof that we’re longing for stories like this.”
Dedicating the award to his family, the 37 year-old added: “I am the son of immigrants from Egypt, a first-generation American. And part of my story is being written right now. And I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you, and everyone who believed in me for this moment.
"It’s something I will treasure for the rest of my life.”
One notable absence from Malek's acceptance speech was direct mention of film's original director, Peter Singer, who dropped out of the film midway through production and was of sexual misconduct and underage sex.
Malek did, however, thank the rest of the biopic's cast and crew.
“I love you, you are my equals, you are my betters”, he said.
Malek was a vocal advocate for representing Freddie Mercury's queerness in Bohemian Rhapsody, stating that he pushed for it to be more present in the final cut.
“It was something I pushed for, to be quite honest, as much as possible and repeatedly brought to the attention of producers and directors and everyone who would listen,” Malek said.
“I hope people do not feel that the film does a disservice to the community, and if it were me, I would’ve loved to have incorporated more.”
