The Bohemian Rhapsody star has officially joined a selected few as the honoree of the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Breakthrough Performance Award.
Rami Malek has been chosen as the recipient of this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival for his acclaimed performance as Queen’s frontman Freddie Mercury in the biopic film, Bohemian Rhapsody.
“In the film Bohemian Rhapsody, Rami Malek fully brings to life and embodies musical legend Freddie Mercury, in what is truly an outstanding performance for this fine actor,” said festival Chairman Harold Matzner. “For his portrayal that is garnering much critical acclaim, it is our honor to present the 2018 Breakthrough Performance Award to Rami Malek.”
Past recipients of the award include Mahershala Ali, Mary J. Blige, Marion Cotillard, Jennifer Hudson, Felicity Huffman, Brie Larson, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike and Jeremy Renner. According to Deadline, in the years Ali, Cotillard, Hudson, Larson and Nyong’o were honored, they went on to win an Oscar.
Malek is set to receive the honor at the Film Awards Gala on Thursday, January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The festival runs January 3-14.
