Bohemian Rhapsody: GOOD NEWS for Rami Malek after portrayal of Queen icon Freddie Mercury

Despite middling reviews for the film itself, Malek’s star turn was almost unanimously well-received. Now, with awards buzz about to kick off properly for early 2019, could he be in line for an Oscar? According to the bookies, he stands avery good chance.

Originally priced at 10/1, his odds have been slashed right down to 7/2, according to Oddschecker.

Bradley Cooper is still the one to beat for A Star Is Born, but it seems all the momentum is going Malek’s way.

“Unlike A Star is Born, the Queen biopic has not received rave reviews in the press, but the same cannot be said for the Malek’s performance as front-man Freddie Mercury,” Oddschecker spokesperson George Elek said.

“This individual gong could be the film’s best chance of Oscar success, and the odds being slashed reflect that.”

Christian Bale is second favourite, with odds of 5/2 after his performance as former Vice President Dick Cheney in Vice.

Other competitors at thsi stage include Viggo Mortensen, Ryan Gosling, Willem Dafoe, Robert Redford, Ethan Hawke and Hugh Jackman.

Lady Gaga is still the favourite in Best Actress (1/1 with bet365), with Glenn Close a hairline behind her.

Olivia Colman’s odds are also going in the right direction over her incredible turn in The Favourite.

Viola Davis, Melissa McCarthy, Emily Blunt, Felicity Jones and Toni Collette are also thought to be in with a shot.

As for Best Picture, A Star Is Born is the favourite with most bookmakers.

Roma, The Papers, Green Book, If Beale Street Could Talk, The Favourite and First Man are also receiving support.

Bohemian Rhapsody is out now. The 2019 Oscars will take place on February 24, 2019.