The 2023 list of Oscar nominees was released on Tuesday, January 24, with Austin Butler receiving a nomination for Best Actor for his role in Elvis. The icon, who played the legendary singer, has described his latest nod as bitter-sweet, as it happened barely a week after Lisa Marie Presley’s death.
Addressing the milestone over a phone call on Today with Hoda and Jenna, the actor admitted he wished the late songstress was alive to celebrate with him. Sadly, knowing neither Lisa Marie nor her dad could witness his groundbreaking moment made him have mixed feelings about celebrating his nomination. Austin quipped:
“I think of how much I wish she was here right now to celebrate with me. It’s the same thing I feel with Elvis. I wish that they could see these moments, you know? It’s just sort of strange to celebrate at a time of such deep grief. But I sort of think of it as a way to honor her. This is for her.”
Austin Butler Appreciates His Oscar Nomination Despite Mixed Feelings
Austin Butler just woke up and got on the phone with Hoda and Jenna to talk about his ‘Actor in a leading role’ #Oscars nomination for ‘Elvis.’
“What an exciting way to wake up!,” he said. pic.twitter.com/Jv3nlAWEd7
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) January 24, 2023
Austin Butler also discussed the work he put into the making of Elvis, eventually earning him his first-ever Oscar nomination. He described it as a “daunting undertaking” and “a very long process.” The 31-year-old fondly recalled the sleepless nights, the fears, uncertainties, and the numerous possibilities of things going wrong. Having endured all that and emerged successful, Austin couldn’t help but recognize how great it felt to reap the fruits of his months of toiling. He shared:
“Being recognized feels very surreal and amazing.”
Austin Butler’s Oscar nomination comes two weeks after he snagged the Golden Globes Award for Best Actor in a drama, also for his role in Elvis. Then, he had the rare privilege of celebrating the win with Lisa Marie and her mom, Priscilla Presley, who both attended the Award ceremony. Sadly, the crooner died just days later, 0n January 12, after suffering two cardiac arrests.
Following Lisa Marie Presley’s death, many fans, celebrities, and those who revered her late dad paid tribute to her, recognizing the tragedies she endured on earth. She left behind twins Harper and Finley, and an older daughter, Riley Keough to carry on her legacy, and that of the late Elvis Presley.