Austin Butler Honored With New Breakthrough Award
Austin Butler is having a big year. The actor is receiving the Palm Springs International Film Award for Breakthrough Performance for his embodiment of Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis.
Back in February, director Baz Luhrmann gifted fans with an incredible trailer for Elvis. The film chronicled Presley’s early days in Tennessee, his superstardom, and his famous comeback special. Luhrmann’s film also explored historic tragedies during the Civil Rights Movement, such as the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr.
In addition to these highlights, millions could not help falling in love with Austin Butler’s masterful portrayal. His performance has sparked the conversation demanding he receives a Best Actor nomination at this year’s Academy Awards.
Austin Butler as Elvis Presley for the ‘68 special. Behind the scenes. Photographed by Ruby Bell. pic.twitter.com/zbGXWnMXmu
— Austin Butler News (@AButlerNews) November 27, 2022
Harold Matzner, the Palm Springs International Film chairman states that Butler is the “heart and soul” of Elvis. He adds, “Butler’s dedication to this role shows in the nuances he brought to the character, seen through multiple decades of the often-tumultuous life Elvis lived, as well as the sprawling live performances where Austin embodies the iconic artist in a way previously unseen on the big screen.”
Butler is in great company, as Mahershala Ali, Mary J. Blige, Marion Cotillard, Andra Day, Cynthia Erivo, Jennifer Hudson, Felicity Huffman, Brie Larson, Rami Malek, Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, and Jeremy Renner previously received the same award.
Butler was recently revealed as the host for Saturday Night Live’s final show of the year. He will make his SNL debut as the Yeah Yeah Yeahs serve as the musical guest.
Congratulations to Austin Butler on a well-deserved honor. Elvis is available to stream on HBO Max. The Palm Springs International Film Awards will take place on January 5.
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