![]() ![]() Using the acceptance speech as a platform to spread awareness for wider issues is not a new phenomenon, either. Spike Lee used his Oscar win for BlacKkKlansman to illuminate the 400-year history of slavery, and paid homage to the ancestors who built the America we know today. There are plenty of examples of winners using the acceptance speech format to illuminate issues that are bigger than the films themselves. But in an age where celebrity platforms are expected to further important causes, it’s difficult to argue that the film alone is enough. You could argue that those who know Freddie Mercury’s story and those who have seen the film understand the nature of the disease and the work required to eliminate it. In omitting to use his stage platform – a physical one – at every awards ceremony this season, Malek has missed an opportunity to rally more troops to back the cause, as well as missing the chance to position himself as a figurehead in the ongoing fight against HIV/AIDS. However, because this happens off-screen, it fails to showcase itself as something worth-applauding. Malek uses his platform as an actor, and as a man with proximity to the experience of AIDS through his portrayal of Mercury, to contribute to the fight against AIDS. The bar has been raised, and the use of platforms is one area where this new level of expectation is clear. The immediacy, and indeed the nuance of the online discussion facilitated by Twitter means that as cultural consumers, we are always expecting more. the hours of Oscar’s discussion after the one-minute acceptance speech) cannot be underestimated. The role of the internet in furthering discussion and interrogating heavy topics beyond the limits of the live moment (i.e. The social media commentary increases this figure tenfold, and tweet engagement rockets as trending topics dominate online conversation. It is no secret that the Oscars, and other awards ceremonies attract thousands of viewers every year. This poses the question of what the stage platform should be used for, and how acceptance speeches can carry more weight than merely thanking those involved with the film and the winner’s family. So, the commitment to extending awareness and combating HIV that viewers hoped to see in Malek’s acceptance speeches, does exist. Upon seeing first-hand, the impact of the horrific disease, Malek said of his involvement with RED, ‘I can’t think of anything I would rather be a part of, more than fulfilling any personal dream or aspiration.’ Malek’s work with the brand was inspired by his Freddie Mercury role, and he even visited Eswatini to further educate himself. ![]() However, what most viewers won’t know, is that Malek works with the RED organisation, who seek to engage the private sector in raising awareness and funds to help eliminate HIV/AIDS in eight African countries. Grant’s acceptance speech for his role in Can You Ever Forgive Me paid more homage to those lost to AIDS than any of Bohemian Rhapsody’s wins did throughout the entire awards season. It’s hard to argue against the outcry, particularly when Richard E. ACT UP, a New York-based activist group committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis were among them. People took to Twitter to express their disappointment in Malek’s speech. What he failed to mention, was the disease that killed Mercury: AIDS. He nodded to Freddie Mercury’s attributes, of living fearlessly, unapologetically, and against the status quo. His acceptance speech thanked his family, his producers, the cast, and Queen, who were in the audience. The award wasn’t a surprise: Malek also took home the Best Actor Award at the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards. Rami Malek took home the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. Olivia Colman’s win for Best Actress mirrored her wins at the season’s other awards, including the BAFTAs, and Lady Gaga’s award and performance for ‘Shallow’ was excellent, but expected. Aside from Green Book for Best Picture, the winners weren’t a huge shock. ![]() The 2019 Oscars was run-of-the-mill, if you can call an A-list event such a thing. Like every year, the pre-ceremony chatter included predictable conversations, like making bets about winners, and the topical gossip, such as why this year is without a host. On Sunday 24th February 2019, the 91st Academy Awards marked the end of awards season. ![]()
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