Egyptians and Africans all over the world are celebrating over Rami Malek’s rapid rise to stardom and recognition at the Academy Awards in Los Angeles.

Rami Malek has won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Bohemian Rhapsody for his portrayal of late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the musical.

Malek is just the second actor of Arab descent nominated for an Oscar, after “Lawrence of Arabia” star Omar Sharif. Malek is the first to win.

He took a moment to thank the band Queen and acknowledged the extraordinary story of Mercury’s life.

In his acceptance speech he said:

“I am the son of immigrants from Egypt, a first-generation American. And part of my story is being written right now. And I could not be more grateful to each and every one of you, and everyone who believed in me for this moment. It’s something I will treasure for the rest of my life”

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