So far, the allegations of sexual misconduct directed at director Bryan Singer haven’t made a dent in his latest film, Bohemian Rhapsody. The Queen biopic has been both a hit and an awards magnet, winning, among others, Best Picture (Drama) at the Golden Globes and earning five Oscar nominations. And while it has seven nods at the upcoming British Academy Film Awards, Singer won’t officially win any of them. That’s because the BAFTAs have removed his name from the one trophy that might have had it: Best British Film.
This comes from The Hollywood Reporter, which reports that, even though the allegations haven’t been formally proven or not, BAFTA top brass finds them disturbing enough to act immediately, erasing his name from competition mere days before the ceremony. They also released a statement:
“BAFTA considers the alleged behaviour completely unacceptable and incompatible with its values. This has led to Mr Singer’s suspended nomination. BAFTA notes Mr Singer’s denial of the allegations. The suspension of his nomination will therefore remain in place until the outcome of the allegations has been resolved. BAFTA believes everyone has the right to a fulfilling career in a safe, professional working environment, and it will continue to collaborate with the film, games and television industries to achieve this.”
The BAFTAs also noted that producer Graham King and writer Anthony McCarten’s names would remain. A spokesperson from Fox, who distributed the film, said they “fully supports BAFTA’s decision.”
Since the allegations first came to light in October, well before the Atlantic report that was released last month (which had new charges from more people claiming misconduct), those involved in the film first tried silence. (Singer was not thanked once at the Golden Globes.) Recently, star Rami Malek, who plays lead singer Freddie Mercury, slightly opened up, claiming his dealings with Singer were “unpleasant,” though he has yet to elaborate on what he meant.
Singer was officially fired from Bohemian Rhapsody, well before these allegations emerged, due to clashes with producers and that he was not reporting on set, allegedly to take care of his ill mother. The X-Men director still received sole credit for the film, despite being replaced by actor-turned-director Dexter Fletcher, who then went on to helm the Elton John biopic Rocketman. Singer is still allegedly on tap to direct the reboot of Red Sonja.
Since Bohemian Rhapsody opened in early November — mere weeks after word of the allegations first broke — it’s grossed over $800 million worldwide, over $200 million of that in the States alone. As of this writing, and after almost 100 days of release, it’s still in the top 15 at the American box office.
(Via THR)
