Austin Butler became emotional on stage on Sunday as he collected his award for Best Actor at the EE BAFTAs.
The Elvis star choked up as he thanked a string of people involved in the production, including director Baz Luhrmann and the Presley family.
Austin held back the tears as he said that he hoped he had made Elvis’s loved ones proud with his portrayal as the King, while collecting his award at London's Royal Festival Hall.
He said: “Baz Luhrmann, this film would not have been possible without you. Your vision, your passion and your commitment every step of the way, I love you dearly.
“I want to thank my family, you are my everything," he continued.
“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. I hope I’ve made you proud.
“This means the world to me, thank you all so much."
His win comes just weeks after the tragic passing of Lisa Marie Presley, who died at the age of 54 after being rushed to hospital following a cardiac arrest.
“It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Maris has left us,” her heartbroken mother Priscilla said in a statement.
“She was the most passionate, strong and loving woman I have ever known. We ask for privacy as we try to deal with this profound loss. Thank you for the love and prayers.”
The US singer-songwriter was the only daughter of Elvis and had grown close with Austin while working on the film.
Just days before her death, the mother-of-four attended the 80th annual Golden Globes awards where Austin won Best Actor..
Speaking at the pre-ceremony event, she said she had been ‘overwhelmed’ by the film.
“I’m very proud and I know that my father would be very proud… I’m overwhelmed with gratitude,” Lisa Marie said.
Priscilla wrote on Twitter at the time: “My heartfelt congratulations to Austin Butler for the Golden Globe award for best actor.
"It was much deserved. He studied Elvis for two years and simply became him in his performance. I’m so proud of you. I only wish that the genius that Baz Luhrmann captured was also recognised.”
READ ALSO:
Kate Middleton 'taps William's bum' in incredibly rare PDA at BAFTAs
Emma Mackey and Aimee Lou Wood are friendship goals as Sex Education star wins BAFTA
'She's a national treasure': BAFTAs fans call for Alison Hammond to host the Oscars
BAFTAs suffer a La La Land moment as wrong winner is announced – and BBC doesn't air it
BAFTAs winners list in full as Cate Blanchett wins and Netflix film cleans up
Source: Read Full Article