Actor Rami Malek made his first appearance on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet Wednesday for the premiere of "The Man I Love," a competition film directed by Ira Sachs.
The drama explores life with HIV/AIDS in 1980s New York City.
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"To be a part of it here for the first time in my life and at this age is an extraordinary pinch yourself moment again," Malek said.
The 45-year-old actor won an Oscar in 2019 for his role as Freddie Mercury in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and an Emmy in 2016 for "Mr. Robot."
In the new project, Malek plays Jimmy, an extravagant stage performer reclaiming his spark after being hospitalized for health complications related to HIV/AIDS.
The plot centers on his protective inner circle, including his partner Dennis, played by Tom Sturridge, and his sister Brenda, played by Rebecca Hall.
Tension grows when a new neighbor becomes infatuated with Jimmy after his recent medical emergency.
Malek noted that portraying such a charismatic character challenged his own self-perception during production.
"I think he (Sachs) felt like I had a certain magnetism in my own right, but I don't know if I can completely agree with that," Malek said.
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"Perhaps people see that, but Jimmy's a special character."
The role requires Malek to perform musical renditions of Gershwin's "The Man I Love" and Melanie's "Look What They've Done To My Song, Ma."
Entertainment outlet Deadline highlighted these musical segments as a standout feature of the performance.
Director Ira Sachs focused the narrative on his personal experiences from living in New York City during the height of the epidemic.
His filmmaking history frequently centers on intimate, character-driven stories about love, identity, and queer experiences.
"Even those that were sick and those that died, until that moment when death comes, you are full of life," Sachs said.
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The production is one of 22 films competing for the Palme d'Or, the top prize at Cannes. The jury will announce the final award decisions on Saturday.
