Best Actor BAFTA Goes to Austin Butler for Elvis
On Sunday, Feb 19, Austin Butler took home the BAFTA Award for Best Actor, thanks to his portrayal of Elvis Presley. His starring role in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic Elvis was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. Butler gave a heartfelt acceptance speech, thanking members of the cast and crew, his PR team, and the Presley family.
The 2022 film Elvis covers American icon Elvis Presley’s rise to stardom, from Memphis beginnings to unprecedented fame. The film was a smash hit, garnering rave reviews and huge box-office profits. Elvis did so well, in fact, that it made a brief return to theaters in late January. Austin Butler starred as the titular Elvis Presley, portraying the King of Rock ‘N’ Roll from his start at age 19 to his death at 42.
Support From the Presley Family
Butler received high praise from the Presley family, with Elvis’ daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, sharing in an Instagram post on May 14, 2022, “I [want] to take a moment to let you know that I have seen Baz Luhrmann’s movie “Elvis” twice now, and let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular. Absolutely exquisite.” Of Butler, she added, “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.”
Lisa Marie Presley attended the 80th Golden Globes with Butler just two days before she tragically passed away at 54. Butler spoke of the event in the winners’ press room at the BAFTA Awards, solemnly stating, “It’s been a really unimaginably tragic time, you know, and grief is a long process…my heart and my love was with [the Presleys] always. I feel honored to have been welcomed into the family.”
Butler also mentioned the Presley family in his acceptance speech following his BAFTA win. “I want to thank the Presley family, I cannot thank you guys enough for your love and for sharing with me who Elvis truly was. I hope I’ve made you proud, this means the world to me,” he stated, his voice still carrying the ‘Elvis accent‘ he developed while filming. Heavy applause and cheers from the crowd met the touching speech.
Celebration for Butler’s Win
Austin Butler’s win was widely celebrated, with fans rallying in support of the young actor’s first BAFTA award. Twitter user @JaylanSalman praised Butler for his talent: “A true Hollywood authentic star in a world so boring and overwritten by mundane, repetitive actors’ stories…So happy to see this kid win over and over.”
Austin Butler wins #BAFTAs2023
— Jaylan Salah (@JaylanSalman) February 19, 2023
A miracle, a true Hollywood authentic star in a world so boring and overwritten by mundane, repetitive actors’ stories
A man where you can still see the shadow of the passionate boy crazy about cinema
So happy to see this kid win over and over pic.twitter.com/r3AgXPucLP
This award season, Butler took home not only the BAFTA for Best Actor, but also the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture — Drama, The Palm Springs International Film Festival Breakthrough Performance Award, and the North Carolina Film Critics Association Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. He was additionally nominated for over thirty other awards and is in the running to win an Oscar for Best Actor.
Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) commended the star on Twitter for his nominations, stating, “Please throw every award at the enormous talent that is Austin Butler for his stunning performance in @Elvis Movie. Austin simply charms + shines in his charismatic portrayal as Elvis.” She went on to compliment the film itself, adding, “Black culture + music is celebrated + woven from beginning to end, as it should be.”
Please throw every award at the enormous talent that is Austin Butler for his stunning performance in @ElvisMovie. Austin simply charms + shines in his charismatic portrayal as Elvis. Black culture + music is celebrated + woven from beginning to end, as it should be. #ElvisMovie pic.twitter.com/ofJyrA4xmT
— Nikki Fowler (@NikkiFowler28) May 25, 2022
Butler’s career is only just beginning, and already he’s making waves at award shows. He has more than enough talent to keep this momentum pushing him upwards. We at Glitter can’t wait to see where his career goes.
Writer ∣ Tweet me @thattaylorhaley
