Feb. 24 (UPI) — The iconic rock band Queen, led by singer Adam Lambert, kicked off the 91st Academy Awards — or Oscars ceremony — in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
The musicians sang parts of “We Will Rock You” and “We are the Champions.” Queen is the subject of “Bohemian Rhapsody,” a Best Picture Oscar nominee.
Rami Malek, who plays Queen’s late lead singer Freddie Mercury in the biopic, is nominated for Best Actor. Lambert has been touring with the band in real life in recent years.
Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper brought the house down at the Oscars with their performance of “Shallow,” the ballad from their musical romance “A Star is Born.” It was later announced as the winner in the Best Song category.
This is the first time in 30 years that the Oscars gala does not have an emcee presiding over the festivities.
Kevin Hart was initially named as the host in December; however, he backed out shortly after the announcement was made, due to online criticism over resurfaced homophobic jokes he made several years ago.
No one else stepped up to replace Hart.
