19 February 2023 , 21:00
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Austin Butler choked up as he collected the Best Actor award at the BAFTAs tonight.
The Elvis star teared up as he said he hoped he made all the Presleys proud with his portrayal as he collected the award at the BAFTAs ceremony in Southbank, London this evening. He thanked a string of people involved in the film including director Baz Luhrmann before going on to thank his own family and the Presley family.
His win comes just a few weeks after the tragic passing of Lisa Marie Presley, who Austin had grown close to alongside the whole family during his time portraying The King in the hit movie.
Austin was emotional as he collected his award (BBC)Speaking at the ceremony, he said: "I want to thank my family. You are my everything and last thing, I want to thank the Presley family. I can't thank you guys enough for the love, thanks for sharing with me who Elvis truly was.
"I hope I made you proud. This means the world to me. Thank you so much."
Priscilla Presley vows to 'protect' grandkids on Lisa Marie Presley's birthday
Austin had previously admitted it had been a rollercoaster lately as he received multiple accolades and nominations for his portrayal, amid Lisa Marie's tragic death. He explained it was "lots of peaks and deep valleys of sorrow".
Austin has received critical acclaim for his role as Elvis (Getty Images)"It’s been a roller-coaster lately – a lot of peaks and these deep valleys of sorrow," he said, "A moment like this, it feels joyous, but it also feels bittersweet because I just wish Lisa Marie was here to celebrate with us right now.
"It definitely has filled me with a lot of appreciation for every moment that I got to spend with her. And just how lucky I was to get the type of experiences that I had with her – very private moments and that sort of thing – that I’ll just cherish for the rest of my life."
Austin had previously given a moving Golden Globes acceptance speech, where he thanked them for opening their hearts to him and told the family who had said, "Lisa Marie, Priscilla, I love you forever."
It has been a great awards season for Austin (NBC via Getty Images)The friendship continued even after the film finished filming.
"After the film, we spent more time together and just hearing how it moved her and also the moments where she says, ‘You know, if he was here today. How he would feel…’ I just get chills. I couldn’t dream of a better review," he said of their bond.
Austin was one of the big winners on the night, whilst Cate Blanchett won Best Actress for Tár.