Rami Malek Brings New Film to Cannes, Discusses His Oscar-Winning Journey

Rami Malek is in the South of France this week for a major milestone: the world premiere of his latest project, The Man I Love, which debuted at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.

The acclaimed actor participated in the Kering Women in Motion Talk on Tuesday, May 19, sharing the stage with director and co-writer Ira Sachs. The pair discussed the film, which centers on a 1980s theater performer navigating life after an AIDS diagnosis. Sachs co-wrote the screenplay alongside his frequent creative partner Mauricio Zacharias, while the ensemble cast includes Tom Sturridge, Rebecca Hall, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

Speaking to media at the festival, Malek expressed his awe at being selected for Cannes. "I never get used to these moments," he shared. "Cannes is not something I ever, ever expected. The fact we're here right now is something I'm trying to savor. It feels a bit surreal."

The role represents another significant turn for the Mr. Robot alumnus in portraying queer characters on screen. Malek made history in 2019 as the first performer of Egyptian descent to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, earning the honor for his transformative portrayal of Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.

Reflecting on that landmark achievement, Malek underscored its broader cultural resonance. "It's one of the greatest achievements [because of the] hope it's imbued in so many people all over the world, especially where my family is from in Egypt," he explained. "All over the world, I think people can relate to what it feels like to be an immigrant… that comes with some weight. To be able to connect to that accomplishment in some way and hopefully inspire anyone fills me with some sense of pride that is greater even than doing the work itself."