Oscar-winning actor Rami Malek has made his debut on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet on Wednesday with Ira Sachs' competition film about living with HIV/AIDS in 1980s New York City, "The Man I Love."
"To be a part of it here for the first time in my life and at this age is an extraordinary pinch yourself moment again," the 45-year-old told Reuters ahead of the premiere.
Malek won the Oscar in 2019 for portraying Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody and also took an Emmy Award for Mr. Robot in 2016.
In The Man I Love, Malek stars as Jimmy, an extravagant stage performer who has recently gotten his spark back after being hospitalised for complications connected to HIV/AIDS.
A DAUNTING ROLE
Malek recalled that playing someone so magnetic brought out some insecurities.
"I think he (Sachs) felt like I had a certain magnetism in my own right, but I don't know if I can completely agree with that. Perhaps people see that, but Jimmy's a special character. He's a man of many, many capabilities and talents, and they're on display in this film," Malek said.
For the role, Malek performs renditions of Gershwin's The Man I Love and Melanie's Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma, which entertainment outlet Deadline called a highlight.
The Man I Love is one of 22 films vying for the festival's top prize, the Palme d'Or, which will be awarded on Saturday.
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