Rami Malek has won best actor for his portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody. Malek is the first actor of Arab descent to win an Oscar – he is the second actor of Arab descent to be nominated for one, the first being Omar Sharif, the star of Lawrence of Arabia.

“To anyone trying to discover their voice, listen – we made a film about a gay man and immigrant who lived his life unapologetically himself,” he said, in his acceptance speech, adding: “The fact that I’m celebrating him and this story with you tonight is proof that we’re longing for stories like this.”

“I am the son of immigrants from Egypt, a first-generation American. And part of my story is being written right now. And I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you, and everyone who believed in me for this moment. It’s something I will treasure for the rest of my life,” he added.