Austin Butler has earned a lot of praise for his portrayal of Elvis Presley in the Baz Luhrmann-directed Elvis movie from 2022. Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley have both given Butler’s performance their seal of approval.
Lisa Marie once said, “Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully. In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully. (If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.)”
Butler hasn’t won an Oscar yet (the nominations will be announced on January 24). But he did just win a Golden Globe Award!
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Butler won the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. A stunned Butler took to the stage to give his acceptance speech during the ceremony.
“…I can not believe I’m here right now,” he said. He went on to recognize his fellow nominees for turning in “the most beautiful, profound work.”
Butler then said he owed his win to Luhrmann, calling him “a bold, visionary filmmaker who allowed [him] the experience to take risks…Baz Luhrmann, I love you, thank you for believing in me in those moments that I didn’t even believe in myself. I’m so grateful to you.”
Butler also recognized his co-star, Tom Hanks, who played Colonel Tom Parker in the film.
Priscilla and Lisa Marie were watching from the audience. Butler recognized them, saying, “...thank you guys, thank you for opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me. Lisa Marie and Priscilla I love you forever.”
The pianist started playing the exit music for Butler to make his way offstage. But he wasn’t done yet. After joking the pianist should play “Suspicious Minds,” Butler ended his speech by saying:
“…lastly, Elvis Presley himself. You were an icon and a rebel, and I love you so much. Thank you. You are remembered and I will never forget.”
You can watch Butler’s full speech in the video below. Congratulations to him on his win!