BAFTA Awards 2019: 'The Favourite' and 'Roma' win top honours

"Bohemian Rhapsody" heads into this year's Oscars with five nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rami Malek and his portrayal of Freddie Mercury.

The movie charts the rise, the successes and challenges of the iconic, flamboyant frontman and the British rock band, Queen.

Despite a mixed reaction from critics, and controversy surrounding the film's director, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has proved to be a force to be reckoned with this awards season having already walked secured two Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Actor and the SAG Award for Best Male Actor.

At the Oscars, Malek will face off against Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe and Viggo Mortensen.

Matthew Belloni of industry publication The Hollywood Reporter said a win could change Malek's life and the course of his career.

"This is his first major movie role where he's playing the star of the movie and, lo and behold, he gets nominated for best actor. He wins the Golden Globe. The movie makes 800 million dollars worldwide. Rami Malek is now a box office star and if he wins the Oscar, he's a pedigreed actor with an Oscar win -- he'll be able to do big budget mainstream, whatever he wants," he said.

The winners will be announced in Los Angeles on February 24, 2019.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" heads into this year's Oscars with five nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rami Malek and his portrayal of Freddie Mercury.

"Bohemian Rhapsody" heads into this year's Oscars with five nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rami Malek and his portrayal of Freddie Mercury. The movie charts the rise, the successes and challenges of the iconic, flamboyant frontman and the British rock band, Queen. Despite a mixed reaction from critics, and controversy surrounding the film's director, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has proved to be a force to be reckoned with this awards season having already walked secured two Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Actor and the SAG Award for Best Male Actor. At the Oscars, Malek will face off against Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe and Viggo Mortensen. Matthew Belloni of industry publication The Hollywood Reporter said a win could change Malek's life and the course of his career. "This is his first major movie role where he's playing the star of the movie and, lo and behold, he gets nominated for best actor. He wins the Golden Globe. The movie makes 800 million dollars worldwide. Rami Malek is now a box office star and if he wins the Oscar, he's a pedigreed actor with an Oscar win -- he'll be able to do big budget mainstream, whatever he wants," he said. The winners will be announced in Los Angeles on February 24, 2019.

How Freddie Mercury paved the way to the Oscars for Rami Malek

Christian Bale to Bradley Cooper, Oscars 2019 Best Actor nominees are a bunch of talent!

Pop singer Lady Gaga, Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron and African-American filmmaker Spike Lee were among scores of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-complete-list-of-nominees-192050">Oscar nominees</a> who gathered for a group photo on Monday ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony in three weeks time, when only a handful will go home as winners.

Actors Glenn Close, Bradley Cooper, Rami Malek and Amy Adams, along with dozens of producers, editors, costume designers, documentary makers and musicians in 24 categories were also among those attending the annual Oscar nominees luncheon in Beverly Hills.

John Bailey, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences whose members vote on the Oscar winners, said the class of 2019 was notable for its diversity.

"This year has the largest class of women nominees. Far from parity, and of course we need to do better. Gender parity is an industry matter, not just an Academy matter," Bailey told the guests.

"Inclusion, diversity, racial, ethnic and gender equality are not just buzzwords. They go to the heart of what our Academy is doing," he added.

The luncheon took place with still no official word on whether the Feb. 24 Oscar ceremony would go ahead without a host for only the second time in its 91-year history.

The Oscar show producers urged the eventual winners to keep their acceptance speeches short on the big night, particularly as the Academy has pledged to cut this year's telecast by about 30 minutes to three hours.

Producer Glenn Weiss said the goal was to deliver "an enjoyable and entertaining evening while we work hard to produce a three-hour show for the first time."

Cuaron's 'Roma'&nbsp;and Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos comedy 'The Favourite'&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2019-meet-the-nominees-192058">lead nominations for the Oscars</a> with 10 apiece.

Pop singer Lady Gaga, Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron and African-American filmmaker Spike Lee were among scores of Oscar nominees who gathered for a group photo on Monday ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony in three weeks time, when only a handful will go home as winners.

Pop singer Lady Gaga, Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron and African-American filmmaker Spike Lee were among scores of Oscar nominees who gathered for a group photo on Monday ahead of the Academy Awards ceremony in three weeks time, when only a handful will go home as winners. Actors Glenn Close, Bradley Cooper, Rami Malek and Amy Adams, along with dozens of producers, editors, costume designers, documentary makers and musicians in 24 categories were also among those attending the annual Oscar nominees luncheon in Beverly Hills. John Bailey, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences whose members vote on the Oscar winners, said the class of 2019 was notable for its diversity. "This year has the largest class of women nominees. Far from parity, and of course we need to do better. Gender parity is an industry matter, not just an Academy matter," Bailey told the guests. "Inclusion, diversity, racial, ethnic and gender equality are not just buzzwords. They go to the heart of what our Academy is doing," he added. The luncheon took place with still no official word on whether the Feb. 24 Oscar ceremony would go ahead without a host for only the second time in its 91-year history. The Oscar show producers urged the eventual winners to keep their acceptance speeches short on the big night, particularly as the Academy has pledged to cut this year's telecast by about 30 minutes to three hours. Producer Glenn Weiss said the goal was to deliver "an enjoyable and entertaining evening while we work hard to produce a three-hour show for the first time." Cuaron's 'Roma' and Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos comedy 'The Favourite' lead nominations for the Oscars with 10 apiece.

Oscars 2019: Academy raises a glass to diversity as nominees gather for class photo and lunch

SAG Awards 2019: 'Black Panther', Rami Malek win top honours

'Bohemian Rhapsody'&nbsp;director Bryan Singer on Thursday dismissed a bombshell article detailing fresh sexual misconduct allegations -- some involving teenage boys -- as a "homophobic smear piece."

The Atlantic on Wednesday published accounts from four new accusers -- including two who said Singer had sex with them when they were underage -- in an article that also chronicled years of similar allegations.

But 53-year-old Singer, who is behind such hits as the 'X-Men'&nbsp;movies and 'Superman Returns,'&nbsp;said the article was timed to capitalize on the success of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'&nbsp;-- which is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/oscars-2019-complete-list-of-nominees-192050">nominated for five Oscars</a>, including best picture.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/from-christian-bale-to-bradley-cooper-heres-what-oscar-best-actor-nominees-have-been-busy-with-192516">In Pictures:&nbsp;Christian Bale to Bradley Cooper, Oscars 2019 Best Actor nominees are a bunch of talent!</a>

"It is no surprise that, with Bohemian Rhapsody being an award-winning hit, this homophobic smear piece has been conveniently timed to take advantage of its success," Singer said in a statement sent to AFP by his attorney Thursday.

"The last time I posted about this subject, Esquire magazine was preparing to publish an article written by a homophobic journalist who has a bizarre obsession with me dating back to 1997," he added, without identifying the reporter.

"After careful fact-checking and, in consideration of the lack of credible sources, Esquire chose not to publish this piece of vendetta journalism.

"That didn't stop this writer from selling it to The Atlantic," he said.

- 'Predatory' -

The article's authors, Esquire journalists Alex French and Maximillian Potter, said they spent a year investigating lawsuits and allegations against Singer and interviewed more than 50 sources.

One interviewee claimed Singer had sex with him in 1997 when he was 17. Another alleged he also had a sexual encounter with Singer that year when he was 15.

Both men said Singer knew they were under 18, the age of consent in California.

"The portrait of Singer that emerges is of a troubled man who surrounded himself with vulnerable teenage boys, many of them estranged from their families," the article said. "Their accounts suggest that Singer didn't act alone; he was aided by friends and associates who brought him young men.

"And he was abetted, in a less direct way, by an industry in which a record of producing hits confers immense power."

French and Potter explained on Twitter that the article ran in The Atlantic because it was rejected by executives at Hearst, which owns Esquire, for unknown reasons.

Sexual misconduct rumours have swirled around Singer for years. He has been the subject of multiple lawsuits related to sexual abuse of teenage boys -- several of which were dropped or settled out of court.

His name has been conspicuously absent from the awards circuit this season, &nbsp;and he was not mentioned at this month's Golden Globes when "Bohemian Rhapsody" earned two awards for best drama and best actor.

Singer was fired by 20th Century Fox in December 2017, shortly before filming for "Bohemian Rhapsody" wrapped up, for failing to show up to work. He claims he was let go because 20th Century Fox refused to allow him to take time to take care of an ill parent.

- 'Unspeakable harms' -

The fresh allegations against him come as the latest chapter in Hollywood's reckoning over sexual assault and harassment that has already seen television icon Bill Cosby jailed and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein indicted.&nbsp;

The Atlantic article prompted the LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD on Thursday to pull 'Bohemian Rhapsody'&nbsp;from consideration at its annual Media Awards.

Nominations for the award are to be announced at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Friday.

"This week’s story in The Atlantic documenting unspeakable harms endured by young men and teenage boys brought to light a reality that cannot be ignored or even tacitly rewarded," GLAAD said in a statement.

'Bohemian Rhapsody' director Bryan Singer on Thursday dismissed a bombshell article detailing fresh sexual misconduct allegations -- some involving teenage boys -- as a "homophobic smear piece.

'Bohemian Rhapsody' director Bryan Singer on Thursday dismissed a bombshell article detailing fresh sexual misconduct allegations -- some involving teenage boys -- as a "homophobic smear piece." The Atlantic on Wednesday published accounts from four new accusers -- including two who said Singer had sex with them when they were underage -- in an article that also chronicled years of similar allegations. But 53-year-old Singer, who is behind such hits as the 'X-Men' movies and 'Superman Returns,' said the article was timed to capitalize on the success of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' -- which is nominated for five Oscars, including best picture. In Pictures: Christian Bale to Bradley Cooper, Oscars 2019 Best Actor nominees are a bunch of talent! "It is no surprise that, with Bohemian Rhapsody being an award-winning hit, this homophobic smear piece has been conveniently timed to take advantage of its success," Singer said in a statement sent to AFP by his attorney Thursday. "The last time I posted about this subject, Esquire magazine was preparing to publish an article written by a homophobic journalist who has a bizarre obsession with me dating back to 1997," he added, without identifying the reporter. "After careful fact-checking and, in consideration of the lack of credible sources, Esquire chose not to publish this piece of vendetta journalism. "That didn't stop this writer from selling it to The Atlantic," he said. - 'Predatory' - The article's authors, Esquire journalists Alex French and Maximillian Potter, said they spent a year investigating lawsuits and allegations against Singer and interviewed more than 50 sources. One interviewee claimed Singer had sex with him in 1997 when he was 17. Another alleged he also had a sexual encounter with Singer that year when he was 15. Both men said Singer knew they were under 18, the age of consent in California. "The portrait of Singer that emerges is of a troubled man who surrounded himself with vulnerable teenage boys, many of them estranged from their families," the article said. "Their accounts suggest that Singer didn't act alone; he was aided by friends and associates who brought him young men. "And he was abetted, in a less direct way, by an industry in which a record of producing hits confers immense power." French and Potter explained on Twitter that the article ran in The Atlantic because it was rejected by executives at Hearst, which owns Esquire, for unknown reasons. Sexual misconduct rumours have swirled around Singer for years. He has been the subject of multiple lawsuits related to sexual abuse of teenage boys -- several of which were dropped or settled out of court. His name has been conspicuously absent from the awards circuit this season, and he was not mentioned at this month's Golden Globes when "Bohemian Rhapsody" earned two awards for best drama and best actor. Singer was fired by 20th Century Fox in December 2017, shortly before filming for "Bohemian Rhapsody" wrapped up, for failing to show up to work. He claims he was let go because 20th Century Fox refused to allow him to take time to take care of an ill parent. - 'Unspeakable harms' - The fresh allegations against him come as the latest chapter in Hollywood's reckoning over sexual assault and harassment that has already seen television icon Bill Cosby jailed and movie mogul Harvey Weinstein indicted. The Atlantic article prompted the LGBTQ advocacy organization GLAAD on Thursday to pull 'Bohemian Rhapsody' from consideration at its annual Media Awards. Nominations for the award are to be announced at the Sundance Film Festival in Utah on Friday. "This week’s story in The Atlantic documenting unspeakable harms endured by young men and teenage boys brought to light a reality that cannot be ignored or even tacitly rewarded," GLAAD said in a statement.

'Bohemian Rhapsody' director Singer blasts new sex abuse allegations

Rami Malek may have won the Best actor trophy at the recent Golden Globe Awards for his performance in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', but the actor's awkward moment on stage with Nicole Kidman is being discussed far more on the internet.&nbsp; 
 
The incident happened when the 37-year-old actor was at the stage with the rest of the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' cast and crew to collect the award for Best Picture - Drama trophy. 
 
In the video of the incident, which has since gone viral, Malek was seen moving to greet Kidman, who had presented the award. Kidman, unaware that he was trying to catch her attention, turned her back, leaving the actor standing awkwardly behind her. 
 
Appearing on the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', Malek recalled the incident, joking it will haunt him for the rest of his life. 
 
"I had not seen that," Rami said after the host twice played the video to further embarrass the actor.&nbsp; 
 
"I've known her for many years, despite what it may seem in that video, so I thought I could easily go up and say hi but in a moment like that... It was very awkward. I have a feel this is probably haunting me on the internet now," he added.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UopLcrB_IM0" width="560"></iframe> 
 
The actor said if not for Kidman, her husband Keith Urban showered praise on him for his gutsy portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the film. 
"It's alright, I got love from Keith that night. He's a massive Queen fan," he said. 
 
At the Golden Globes 2019, Malek had won the Best Actor - Drama for the 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. He is also nominated in the best actor category at BAFTA.&nbsp;

Rami Malek may have won the Best actor trophy at the recent Golden Globe Awards for his performance in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', but the actor's awkward moment on stage with Nicole Kidman is being discussed far more on the internet.

Rami Malek may have won the Best actor trophy at the recent Golden Globe Awards for his performance in 'Bohemian Rhapsody', but the actor's awkward moment on stage with Nicole Kidman is being discussed far more on the internet. The incident happened when the 37-year-old actor was at the stage with the rest of the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' cast and crew to collect the award for Best Picture - Drama trophy. In the video of the incident, which has since gone viral, Malek was seen moving to greet Kidman, who had presented the award. Kidman, unaware that he was trying to catch her attention, turned her back, leaving the actor standing awkwardly behind her. Appearing on the 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', Malek recalled the incident, joking it will haunt him for the rest of his life. "I had not seen that," Rami said after the host twice played the video to further embarrass the actor. "I've known her for many years, despite what it may seem in that video, so I thought I could easily go up and say hi but in a moment like that... It was very awkward. I have a feel this is probably haunting me on the internet now," he added. The actor said if not for Kidman, her husband Keith Urban showered praise on him for his gutsy portrayal of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the film. "It's alright, I got love from Keith that night. He's a massive Queen fan," he said. At the Golden Globes 2019, Malek had won the Best Actor - Drama for the 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. He is also nominated in the best actor category at BAFTA.

Rami Malek cringes watching his awkward moment with Nicole Kidman at the Golden Globes

It was truly a big night for the cast and crew of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as they went up on stage to pick up the Best Film (Drama) award at the Golden Globes on Sunday. The film also fetched its lead actor Rami Malek the Best Award.&nbsp; 
 
The team`s big honour has however sparked controversy. It all started when the cast took the stage to receive the award for the film and producer Graham King did not mention the film`s director, Bryan Singer in the speech. Notably enough, Rami Malek also left the director out of his acceptance speech. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/golden-globes-2019-the-full-list-of-winners-188693">Check out the full list of winners here</a> 
 
Singer`s absence might not seem surprising given his controversial history with the film and in personal life. The director has been repeatedly accused of sexual misconduct for years. Earlier in December 2017, a man sued Singer claiming the director raped him when he was 17 years old. 
 
According to Entertainment Weekly, Singer was fired from the film amid reports of on-set turmoil. Shortly after the honours were announced, people took to their Twitter handles to comment on both, the lack of mention of Singer in the speeches and the team`s ignorance toward the Time`s Up and #MeToo movement. 
 
It may be noted that the night saw many celebrities vocally and visibly supporting the two movements directed against sexual harassment. 
 
"Hollywood patting themselves on the backs and wearing "times up" pins as they give Bryan Singer the penultimate award.... i don`t know why i`m surprised yet here we are," a user tweeted.

"Seriously? Bohemian Rhapsody? The Bryan Singer one? What happened to Times Up? Golden Globes," wrote another. 
 
Dogging the controversy and his team`s cold shoulders, Singer gave his thank you speech on Instagram. "What an honour. Thank you #HollywoodForeignPress," the director wrote. 
 
Apart of this, the film`s honour received mixed reviews from critics questioning its victory in a category that was shared by 'Black Panther`, `BlacKkKlansman`, `If Beale Street Could Talk` and 'A Star Is Born.' which was one of the frontrunner in the category.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It was truly a big night for the cast and crew of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as they went up on stage to pick up the Best Film (Drama) award at the Golden Globes on Sunday.

It was truly a big night for the cast and crew of 'Bohemian Rhapsody' as they went up on stage to pick up the Best Film (Drama) award at the Golden Globes on Sunday. The film also fetched its lead actor Rami Malek the Best Award. The team`s big honour has however sparked controversy. It all started when the cast took the stage to receive the award for the film and producer Graham King did not mention the film`s director, Bryan Singer in the speech. Notably enough, Rami Malek also left the director out of his acceptance speech. Check out the full list of winners here Singer`s absence might not seem surprising given his controversial history with the film and in personal life. The director has been repeatedly accused of sexual misconduct for years. Earlier in December 2017, a man sued Singer claiming the director raped him when he was 17 years old. According to Entertainment Weekly, Singer was fired from the film amid reports of on-set turmoil. Shortly after the honours were announced, people took to their Twitter handles to comment on both, the lack of mention of Singer in the speeches and the team`s ignorance toward the Time`s Up and #MeToo movement. It may be noted that the night saw many celebrities vocally and visibly supporting the two movements directed against sexual harassment. "Hollywood patting themselves on the backs and wearing "times up" pins as they give Bryan Singer the penultimate award.... i don`t know why i`m surprised yet here we are," a user tweeted. "Seriously? Bohemian Rhapsody? The Bryan Singer one? What happened to Times Up? Golden Globes," wrote another. Dogging the controversy and his team`s cold shoulders, Singer gave his thank you speech on Instagram. "What an honour. Thank you #HollywoodForeignPress," the director wrote. Apart of this, the film`s honour received mixed reviews from critics questioning its victory in a category that was shared by 'Black Panther`, `BlacKkKlansman`, `If Beale Street Could Talk` and 'A Star Is Born.' which was one of the frontrunner in the category.

Golden Globes 2019: 'Bohemian Rhapsody' producer leaves out director's name from acceptance speech

They said it would never sell, with its six-minute playing time, operatic passages and lyrics about Galileo and Scaramouche, but the Queen song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on Monday became the most streamed song from the 20th century. 
 
Boosted by the new movie 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' the 1975 single and music video surpassed 1.6 billion streams globally, record company Universal Music Group said in a statement. 
 
The song overtook the likes of Nirvana`s 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' and Guns N` Roses` 'Sweet Child O`Mine,' and is now also the most streamed classic rock song of all time, Universal added. 
 
The 'Bohemian Rhapsody' film, starring Rami Malek as late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, has brought the music of the British rock band to a new generation. Five weeks after its release, it has also become the highest grossing musical biography movie ever, with a global box office take of $600 million. <a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bohemian-rhapsody-review-rami-malek-is-picth-perfect-as-rockstar-freddie-mercury-177616">Read the review here</a> 
 
Malek was nominated for a Golden Globe last week for his performance and is widely expected to get an Oscar nomination in January. 
 
Universal said it had been promoting the single across streaming platforms in recent weeks. It used all registered streams on global on-demand services including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer as well as streams from official song/video streams on YouTube to determine that "Bohemian Rhapsody" was the most streamed song from the 20th century.

They said it would never sell, with its six-minute playing time, operatic passages and lyrics about Galileo and Scaramouche, but the Queen song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on Monday became the most streamed song from the 20th century.

They said it would never sell, with its six-minute playing time, operatic passages and lyrics about Galileo and Scaramouche, but the Queen song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' on Monday became the most streamed song from the 20th century. Boosted by the new movie 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' the 1975 single and music video surpassed 1.6 billion streams globally, record company Universal Music Group said in a statement. The song overtook the likes of Nirvana`s 'Smells Like Teen Spirit,' and Guns N` Roses` 'Sweet Child O`Mine,' and is now also the most streamed classic rock song of all time, Universal added. The 'Bohemian Rhapsody' film, starring Rami Malek as late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury, has brought the music of the British rock band to a new generation. Five weeks after its release, it has also become the highest grossing musical biography movie ever, with a global box office take of $600 million. Read the review here Malek was nominated for a Golden Globe last week for his performance and is widely expected to get an Oscar nomination in January. Universal said it had been promoting the single across streaming platforms in recent weeks. It used all registered streams on global on-demand services including Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer as well as streams from official song/video streams on YouTube to determine that "Bohemian Rhapsody" was the most streamed song from the 20th century.

Released in 1975, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' now becomes the most-streamed 20th century song

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