People.com Entertainment Movies Rami Malek's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' Scores 5 Oscar Nods as It Crosses $800 Million at Box Office Bohemian Rhapsody netted five nominations days after it crossed an astounding $800 million at the worldwide box office By Nigel Smith Nigel Smith Nigel Smith is Senior News Editor, Movies at PEOPLE. He is an Entertainment Editor and Writer with more than 10 years of experience in the online and print industries as a journalist, storyteller, proofreader and manager. In 2017 Smith joined the PEOPLE editorial team in New York as News Editor, Movies. He has written feature stories and reviews including interviews with Ryan Reynolds, Anthony Hopkins, Jennifer Hudson and Russell Crowe. Prior, he served as News Editor at the Wrap in Los Angeles, and Entertainment Editor at the Guardian, also in LA, where he covered the red carpet at major awards shows including the Academy Awards, Golden Globes, Governors Awards, Grammy Awards and Independent Spirit Awards. He also attended and reported on major film festivals at Cannes, Sundance, Toronto, Telluride, SXSW and Tribeca. Smith has appeared as an expert commentator on numerous morning and entertainment shows including Good Morning America, Today, NBC News, BBC News, Access Hollywood, NY1, PeopleTV and more. A native of Toronto, Canada, Smith graduated from Syracuse University in New York State with Master of Arts degree in Arts Journalism (Film). He is married and lives in New York City. People Editorial Guidelines Published on January 22, 2019 10:07 AM Share Tweet Pin Email Mamma mia, mamma mia! Fans of Queen‘s 1975 hit “Bohemian Rhapsody” are no doubt belting out the classic song after Tuesday’s announcement that the blockbuster Freddie Mercury biopic and its star, Rami Malek, scored best picture and actor Oscar nominations. In total, Bohemian Rhapsody netted five nominations days after it crossed an astounding $800 million at the worldwide box office. In light of the nominations, it stands to earn even more as 20th Century Fox, New Regency and GK Films roll out a special sing-along version of the Queen film in locations across the U.S. and Canada. How Rami Malek Transformed Into Freddie Mercury for Bohemian Rhapsody Rami Malek. Alex Bailey/Fox The film, which has become the highest-grossing music biopic of all time, tells the story of Queen lead singer Mercury, played by Malek, and the band’s rise to fame. It won the award for best motion picture, drama, and Malek also took home best actor in a drama at the Golden Globes. Rami Malek Confirms Relationship with Bohemian Rhapsody Costar Lucy Boynton: ‘You Are My Love’ To secure the title, the Mr. Robot star, 37, studied Mercury’s life and mannerisms very closely, he previously told Entertainment Weekly. “I would consistently go back to his interviews and performances just to understand the [different] sides of him,” Malek said. “Obviously, there is a very brave, brash entertainer who hits the stage. And then there is a human being who can be reclusive and lonely behind closed doors.” RELATED VIDEO: ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ Star Aidan Gillen Says Film ‘Deserves’ Award Attention The movie had to overcome quite a bit of controversy during production. Its first director, Bryan Singer, was fired and replaced by Dexter Fletcher. Singer, 53, was let go for allegedly being “unexpectedly unavailable” for several days on set. His firing also came amid reports that there was tension between him and Malek. Still, Singer thanked the Globes after the movie took home best drama motion picture on Sunday night. Additionally, Singer has had multiple accusations of sexual misconduct levied against him — which he has vehemently denied.