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20 February 2023, 09:51
Elvis movie: Baz Luhrmann and Austin Butler on the King's journey to big screen
All Quiet on the Western Front sweeps up at the BAFTAs but Austin Butler snags the Best Actor prize.
Austin Butler has thanked the Presley family as he scooped up the prize for Best Actor at the 2023 EE British Academy Film Awards last night (February 19).
The actor, who played the King of Rock and Roll in Elvis, fought off stiff competition from Brendan Fraser in The Whale, Colin Farrell in The Banshees of Inisherin, Bill Nighy in Living, Paul Mescal in Aftersun and Daryl McCormack in Good Luck To You, Leo Grande.
"Well, this is truly extraordinary," Butler said from the stage as he collected his award at the ceremony held at the Royal Festival Hall in London's Southbank Centre.
"Thank you all so much. Thank you BAFTA for this tremendous honour... this is amazing, I'm really trying to take everything in and be really present."
He added that he was "in awe" of his fellow nominees, and after thanking his team and much of the crew on Elvis, he singled out director Baz Lurhmann for special praise.
Austin Butler Wins Leading Actor | EE BAFTAs 2023
"This film would not have been possible without you," Butler said.
"Your vision, your dedication, your commitment every step of the way. I love you dearly."
After thanking his own family, Butler added: "Lastly, I want to thank the Presley family. I cannot thank you guys enough for your love, and for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.
Austin Butler pays tribute to Lisa Marie Presley
"I hope I've made you proud. This means the world to me."
Of the passing of Elvis's daughter Lisa Marie Presley last month, Butler said in the winners room after the show: "It's been a really unimaginably tragic time, you know, and grief is a long process.
"And so my heart and my love was with [the Presley family] always. I feel honoured to have been welcomed into the family. It's a bittersweet time."
All Quiet on the Western Front trailer
Cate Blanchett won her third Best Leading Actress BAFTA for her title role in Tár, but the biggest winner on the night was German-language Netflix film All Quiet on the Western Front.
The most recent adaptation of Erich Maria Remarque classic 1928 novel won a massive seven awards, including those for Best Film and Best Director.
Coming close was The Banshees of Inisherin, whose five awards included close behind with five, including Best British Film, as well as Best Supporting Actor for Barry Keoghan and Best Supporting Actress for Kerry Condon.
All Quiet On The Western Front dominates Baftas with seven awards
Elvis film UK screening: Baz Luhrmann talks Austin Butler and the King | Interview | Smooth Radio