Rami Malek thanks Freddie Mercury during Golden Globes 2019 acceptance speech: 'This is for and because of you gorgeous'

The actor also thanked Queen members Brian May and Roger Taylor

Rami Malek thanked Freddie Mercury in his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes, saying the win was "for and because of" the frontman.

The 37-year-old won the best actor in a motion picture drama at the ceremony for his performance as the Queen singer in the biopic Bohemian Rhapsody.

He beat stiff competition from Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born), Willem Dafoe (At Eternity's Gate), Lucas Hedges (Boy Erased) and John David Washington (BlacKkKlansman).

Malek said in his acceptance speech: “I’m beyond moved. My heart is pounding out of my chest right now.

"This is a profound honour to receive this and to be counted amongst such extraordinary actors. I’m privileged to be counted among you.”

After thanking the filmmakers, the actor went on to speak about Mercury's band, Queen: "To you Brian May, to you Roger Taylor for ensuring that authenticity and inclusively exists in the music and in the world and all of us.

“Thank you to Freddie Mercury for giving me the joy of a lifetime. I love you, you beautiful man. This is for and because of you, gorgeous.”

Bohemian Rhapsody went on to win best drama at the Golden Globes, beating early favourite A Star is Born and Marvel blockbuster Black Panther. Notably, none of the cast or crew mentioned director Bryan Singer's name, although the filmmaker later reacted to the victory on social media.

The evening, designed to award the best in film and television, also saw wins for Green Book and The Marvellous Mrs Maisel. You can find a full list of winners here.