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Stars of Bohemian Rhapsody Rami Malek and Lucy Boynton snuggled up to each other at the Fox/Hulu Golden Globe Awards after-party in a way Mary Austin could only beam at Freddie Mercury after a concert. In a classic case of life imitating art, Boynton (who played Mary to Malek’s Freddie in the Golden Globe-winning film), pressed her head against her boyfriend’s to congratulate his Best Actor in a Drama win.
Malek, 37, and Boynton, 24, met on the set of the Bryan Singer/Dexter Fletcher-directed film in 2017; a biopic of Queen frontman Freddie Mercury – an electrifying performer who was as sure of himself as he was flamboyant and after taking Queen to the heights of worldwide superstardom, ultimately succumbed to AIDS. Just like the song of the same title, the movie didn’t fair particularly great among critics but to the masses – the people who invest at the box office and ultimately silence reviews – well, they came out in their millions. At present, the film has amassed over $700 million at the worldwide box office riding on Queen’s very famous coat-tails.
There was no argument: Malek was captivating as the late legend, every mannerism and every look-back-over-the-shoulder as he played the piano was eerily Freddie. Malek never stood still in one scene; his wide eyes were constantly darting, he was swallowing to probably maintain those huge fake teeth or he was twitching in a way that was emblematic of Freddie’s busy mind, always in overdrive and always magnetic. Boynton’s introduction as Mary is the steady, good-girl narrative in a rockstar tale. (Freddie and Mary, while engaged to be married before he came out as bisexual, remained best friends until his death in 1991. “The only friend I’ve got is Mary, and I don’t want anybody else. To me, she was my common-law wife. To me, it was a marriage. We believe in each other, that’s enough for me,” Freddie said in a 1985 interview.)
Like Mary, Boynton is Malek’s biggest supporter. Fans were quick to spot the blossoming relationship when a flirty snap of the pair made its way online in 2017. The actor confirmed his romance with Boynton during an acceptance speech at the Palm Springs International Film Festival two days ago.
“I’m just really honoured to be here, so thank you to the Palm Springs Film Festival. It’s a privilege, it’s not lost on me and I’m so appreciative,” Malek said, before adding, “Thank you, Lucy Boynton. You have been my ally, my confidant, my love. Thank you so much.”
Bohemian Rhapsody is in Australian cinemas now.
