Bohemian Rhapsody took home multiple awards (Best Drama Film Actor and Best Drama Film) at the Golden Globes. No matter how one feels about those wins, it’s notable that neither lead actor Rami Malek nor producer Graham King thanked director Bryan Singer during their acceptance speeches. Singer (who was replaced by Rocketman helmer Dexter Fletcher a few weeks before the film wrapped) received a directing credit despite his firing over “unreliability and unprofessionalism” regarding “personal issues.” 20th Century Fox didn’t disclose much within their statement at the time, although Singer had stopped showing up to the set following sexual misconduct allegations against him. After his firing, Singer argued that the studio simply didn’t allow him to take care of family matters, and he denied feuding with Malek on set.
Singer obviously was not present at Sunday’s Globes ceremony. However, he followed up on Bohemian Rhapsody‘s awards by Instagramming a set photo (depicting the shooting of Queen’s “I Want To Break Free” video) with the following caption: “What an honor. Thank you. #HollywoodForeignPress.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsUtnmCn68A/
The film’s awards brought awkward moments for both Malek and Bohemian Rhapsody producers, who reportedly ducked backstage questions about Singer. Social media also made prominent note of the HFPA’s apparent celebration of Singer after last year’s Globes ceremony included a red carpet “silent protest” from #MeToo supporters (who all wore black). One of the cause’s leading advocates, Evan Rachel Wood, tweeted about the Singer controversy after the Globes. She was joined by many, some of whom also urged Esquire to publish their investigative report (about multiple instances of alleged sexual misconduct) at which Singer has preemptively hit out.
https://twitter.com/evanrachelwood/status/1082190110425108480
When it gets that nomination – and it will – it'll be up to the press & people in my field to hold this shit accountable. Ask about Bryan Singer at every turn. Don't let Rami Malek & co sweep that under the carpet because the Oscar matters more.
— Kayleigh Donaldson (@Ceilidhann) January 6, 2019
time's up unless you're bryan singer
— i am the eldest boy! (@vickykrieps) January 7, 2019
Talking big Hollywood change talk and then giving the Bryan Singer film top honors is too on the nose.
— Craig Bro Dude (@CraigSJ) January 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/bobbyfinger/status/1082129972377075713
Hey Esquire now would be a good time to publish that Bryan Singer exposé
— rob trench (@robtrench) January 7, 2019
Some people are rationalizing their support for Bohemian Rhapsody by saying that Bryan Singer “didn’t actually direct it” or “was fired halfway through filming”. No, he was fired two weeks before the end of shooting. That’s why his name is still on the movie.
— Max Borg (@IMDBorg) January 7, 2019
congratulations to bryan singer esquire what time is it
— hunter harris (@hunteryharris) January 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/alanzilberman/status/1082129359694192642
Setting aside Bohemian Rhapsody‘s qualifications as a film, it’s clear that the the movie’s Globes wins have thrown several wrenches into the Oscars race as awards season continues.
