Austin Butlerhas taken home the Golden Globe for best actor in a film for his performanceElvisas Elvis.The Golden Globesreturned Tuesday January 10th, 2023after an ethics makeoverfollowing scandal and boycott in 2021. Austin Butler competed in the categoryalongside fellow nomineesBrendan Fraser (The Whale), Hugh Jackman (The Son), Bill Nighy (Living), and Jeremy Pope (The Inspection).
Ultimately Butler took home the trophy for his unforgettable portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll.Elviswas also nominated in the category of Best Picture - Drama. The film is directed byBaz Luhrmannand fans have stood in awe of Butler’s incredibly genuine performance of the legend. The film follows Elvis from a small boy in Memphis, Tennessee to the rock and roll, panty-dropping King and the most successful solo recording artist of all time.Elvisis an incredible tribute to the legend himself that was only made possible by Butler’s astounding portrayal.
Butler showed immense passion off-screen as well.According to Luhrmann, Butler was instrumental in keeping the film alive. In the early pandemic days, Tom Hanks, who stars alongside Butler and plays the manager of Elvis, contracted the virus and Luhrmann contemplated shelving the film, but Butler refused to give up on it. Butler referred to Luhrmann as the “filmmaker who knows how to create a spectacle like no other.” And that is exactly what Luhrmann accomplished with Butler on the screen.
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This is Austin Butler’s First Golden Globe and His First Major Nomination
Butler began his acting career at a young age, appearing on Disney Channel and Nickelodeon. He later became known for several teen dramas includingThe Carrie Diaries.In 2018, Butler made his Broadway debut in the revival ofThe Iceman Cometh. He later played Tex Watson in Quentin Tarantino’sOnce Upon A Time in Hollywood.However,Elvismarks the first time the actor has received a major award or nomination for his acting work.
The unseasoned winner started his acceptance speech with, “All the words have left me,” Butler continued with thanking his family, fellow cast and crew and the companies that made the film possible. Butler hinted at just how long this dream has likely been brewing when he said to Tarantino, “I printed the Pulp Fiction script when I was 12.” Butler offered thanks to his costar and film legend Tom Hanks saying Hanks was the “greatest dance partner I could ever hope for.”
Butler ended his speech by thanking the Presley family for their support and help in bringing Elvis back to life. Finally, Butler thanked the King himself for the legacy he left saying, “Elvis Presley, you were an icon and a rebel. I love you.”
