Austin Butler attended the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 12, 2023, in Los Angeles, without girlfriend Kaia Gerber.
The actor, 31, who was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of the King of Rock n Roll in Baz Luhrmann’s critically acclaimed biopic, Elvisbrought his best friend instead.
As she spoke to Ashley Graham on the champagne carpet, dressed in a Saint Laurent tuxedo, the Elvis star explained that he wanted his longtime friend James Farrell to be there for him, by We weekly.
“I have my best friend here with me who is also my agent,” he told the 35-year-old model, who co-hosted the ABC pre-show with Butler’s ex, Vanessa Hudgens. “And I owe him my career, so as a thank you, I wanted him to be by my side tonight.”
He developed his friendship with Farrell for Entertainment tonight, “We met when I was 17. James worked at the agency as an assistant, I was just doing little TV shows and then we grew up together.”
He continued, “He’s the guy I go to for every career, question.”
Farrell, for his part, told the outlet that he will be sobbing in pride throughout the show. “He’s my best friend that I work with,” he said of Butler.
Gerber and Butler first sparked romance rumors in late 2021 and confirmed their relationship in December after the two were spotted taking a yoga class together, via We weekly.
They also packed on the PDA during the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in May. Gerber, 21, was pictured kissing the Golden Globe winner at the red carpet premiere of Elvis.
In December 2021, the couple were spotted on a Cabo San Lucas getaway with Kaia’s parents, Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, and brother, Presley Gerber.