Austin Butler at the 2023 Oscars
First-Time Oscar Nominee Austin Butler Flies Solo at the 2023 Oscars
Austin Butler looked absolutely dapper as he attended the 2023 Oscars on 12 March. Butler is a first-time nominee for his work as the titular legendary singer in "Elvis." He seemed to be flying solo at the event, since his girlfriend Kaia Gerber is at SXSW, where her new film "Bottoms" is premiering. But in general this awards season, Gerber has mostly decided to root for her boyfriend from home, though they were spotted at a party together on 24 Feb.
On the red carpet before the show, Butler was photographed embracing his fellow best actor nominee Bill Nighy. Also in attendance at the Oscars was Butler's ex-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens. Butler previously credited Hudgens with supporting him as he auditioned for the role of Elvis, telling the LA Times in January, "We'd been together for so long and she had this sort of clairvoyant moment and so I really, I owe her a lot for believing in me."
Butler's award season has included wins at the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs, and he could go home with the gold at the Oscars. Unfortunately, just days after Butler celebrated his Globes win with Priscilla and Lisa Marie Presley, Lisa Marie suddenly died at 54. Butler explained shortly after Oscar nominations were released that he hoped the nod would honour Lisa Marie. "It's sort of a bittersweet moment right now because I think of how much I wish she was here right now to get to celebrate with me. It's the same thing I feel with Elvis. I wish they could see these moments. It feels sort of strange to celebrate at a time of such deep grief, but I sort of think of it as a way to honour her, and this is for her," he told Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager on the Today Show on 24 Jan.
Butler's award season has also been marked by something a little more lighthearted: Jokes about his tendency to slip into Elvis's accent, which he mastered for the movie. He admitted in a 3 Feb. interview with Entertainment Weekly that he felt "self-conscious" when he found out people were talking about it online. "I am getting rid of the accent, but I have probably damaged my vocal cords with all that singing," he added. "One song took 40 takes." Butler also seemed to be slipping into the cadence during red carpet interviews on Oscars night.
See the photos from Butler's night ahead.
Austin Butler at the 2023 Oscars
Austin Butler and Bill Nighy at the 2023 Oscars
