Arabs react to Egyptian-American Rami Malek’s Golden Globe win

Arabs have reacted with joy after Egyptian-American actor Rami Malek made further history with his Golden Globe win for best actor for his role as Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Malek was born in Los Angeles, California, to Egyptian parents and identifies as an Egyptian-American who grew up speaking Arabic at home. He rose to fame in 2015 for playing the lead role in the USA Network series Mr. Robot.

Arabs took to Twitter and other social media platforms to celebrate and congratulate the actor on his win.

The biographical film Bohemian Rhapsody of the late Mercury also won the Golden Globe award for Best Motion Picture – Drama.

Malek plays the role of Mercury, lead singer of the British rock band Queen, and it showcases the singer’s life upon joining the band, highlighting their 1985 Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium.

Arabs celebrate

Arabs, especially Egyptians, took to Twitter to express their joy of having an Egyptian-American win a Golden Globe. “He really deserved to win the award,” one Twitter user expressed. “I hope he also wins the Academy Award for his role,” another said.

After having been nominated three times, this is Malek’s first Golden Globe win. “This is a profound honor to receive this and to be counted among such extraordinary actors,” Malek said upon receiving the award.

He becomes the second Egyptian-American to win a Golden Globe after Omar Sharif, who had won the award four times.