Austin Butler walked the red carpet in a Saint Laurent tuxedo at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 12, 2023.
While giving red carpet interviews, the 31-year-old actor revealed how he was honoring the late Lisa Marie Presley at the Oscars.
He explained to entertainment tonight how much that honor meant not only to him, but also to Elvis Presley’s late daughter, whom he played in the film.
“I’m carrying a lot of her with me tonight,” he said.
He also spoke about the impact of Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed biopic, Elvis, had on the public. “The fans I got to talk to – those 12-year-olds who told me it had changed their lives and they were playing guitar now.”
He continued, “It just brought joy to a little kid, it’s such a privilege to be a part of something that can affect someone in a positive way like that.”
The actor was up for best actor for his lead role as Elvis. He faced Brendan Fraser, Bill Nighy, Colin Farrell and Paul Mescal. Although he ultimately lost the award to Fraser, he won a Golden Globe, a People’s Choice Award and a BAFTA for his role as the King of Rock n Roll.
Lisa Marie Presley died of sudden cardiac arrest on January 12, 2023, two days after attending the 2023 Golden Globes.
Butler has previously spoken about Lisa Marie’s enormous legacy throughout awards season.
Last month, HEY met Butler at the 2023 SAG Awards, where he echoed a similar sense of “privilege” and “support” he felt working so closely with Lisa Marie.