Rami Malek praised British "musical heritage" as he picked up the Best Leading Actor gong at the EE British Academy Film Awards.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek

The 'Bohemian Rhapsody' star - who triumphed at the awards ceremony for his role as Freddie Mercury in the movie - thanked the Queen star for his contribution to music as he spoke to the audience gathered at London's Royal Albert Hall on Sunday night (10.02.19).

Speaking as he collected the award, he said: "I still cannot believe that I'm included with this group of actors. It's quite difficult entering your [British] world with this role, as an outsider. It's not lost on me how sacred your musical heritage is."

Rami will hoping to continue his good awards season at the Academy Awards later this month, where he is nominated in the Actor in a Leading Role category.

The 37-year-old actor - who has already picked up a Golden Globe and a SAG Award this year - said: "I guess at that point, you start to consider it. I'm always so thankful that I get to be a working actor. The percentage of people who get to do this is so small that getting accolades like this seems so distant always, whether you've received awards in the past or not. But I think perhaps after getting the Globe, it seemed more attainable -- but there's something about hearing the words that you're an Oscar nominated actor that are still going to be incredibly shocking. It's a profoundly humbling moment for me."