How Freddie Mercury paved the way to the Oscars for Rami Malek

"Bohemian Rhapsody" heads into this year's Oscars with five nominations including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rami Malek and his portrayal of Freddie Mercury.

The movie charts the rise, the successes and challenges of the iconic, flamboyant frontman and the British rock band, Queen.

Despite a mixed reaction from critics, and controversy surrounding the film's director, "Bohemian Rhapsody" has proved to be a force to be reckoned with this awards season having already walked secured two Golden Globes for Best Picture and Best Actor and the SAG Award for Best Male Actor.

At the Oscars, Malek will face off against Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Willem Dafoe and Viggo Mortensen.

Matthew Belloni of industry publication The Hollywood Reporter said a win could change Malek's life and the course of his career.

"This is his first major movie role where he's playing the star of the movie and, lo and behold, he gets nominated for best actor. He wins the Golden Globe. The movie makes 800 million dollars worldwide. Rami Malek is now a box office star and if he wins the Oscar, he's a pedigreed actor with an Oscar win -- he'll be able to do big budget mainstream, whatever he wants," he said.

The winners will be announced in Los Angeles on February 24, 2019.