Austin Butler’s Golden Globe Triumph: Wishing Jacob Elordi Success in His Upcoming Elvis Role Amidst Kaia Gerber Romance

In a surprising display of grace and professionalism, first-time Golden Globe winner Austin Butler, renowned for his captivating portrayal of rock and roll icon Elvis Presley, extended well wishes to actor Jacob Elordi on January 10. The unexpected moment unfolded on the red carpet of the 80th annual Golden Globe Awards, just hours before Butler clinched his prestigious award. Elordi, known for his role in HBO’s Euphoria, is set to step into the King’s blue suede shoes for the upcoming biopic Priscilla, which will explore the life of Priscilla Presley. When asked by Variety (watch video here) if he had any advice for Elordi, Butler, 31, demonstrated admirable sportsmanship. His response was both concise and cordial, stating, “I just wish him all the best. We haven’t spoken, but I hope he has a great time.” This gesture of goodwill is particularly noteworthy given Elordi’s past relationship with Butler’s current girlfriend, supermodel Kaia Gerber, adding an intriguing layer to the evolving narrative of Hollywood’s leading men.

Butler’s journey to embodying Elvis was an arduous and transformative one, spanning over three years of intense preparation, filming, and promotion. His dedication to capturing the essence of the legendary musician resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, making his performance a defining moment in his career. The actor delved into every facet of Presley’s life, from his unique vocal style and iconic dance moves to his profound emotional depth and struggles. He reportedly spent countless hours studying archival footage, working with dialect coaches, and even recording his own versions of Elvis’s songs to achieve an unparalleled authenticity. This commitment to the role earned him not just critical acclaim but also the approval of the Presley family, a testament to his respectful and profound portrayal of the King of Rock and Roll. The critical reception for Elvis praised Butler for transcending mere imitation, delivering a performance that was both electrifying and deeply human, establishing him as a formidable talent in the industry.

The interaction between Butler and Elordi, though brief and indirect, is made more fascinating by their shared connection to Kaia Gerber. Butler, originally from Anaheim, California, has been publicly dating the 21-year-old model since December 2021. The couple has been increasingly open about their relationship, often seen together at high-profile events and on intimate getaways. Most recently, they were photographed vacationing in Mexico during the festive Christmas and New Year’s holidays, showcasing their budding romance. Insiders close to Kaia have suggested a deep connection between the two. A source informed HollywoodLife on January 5 that Kaia sees a significant future with Butler. “Kaia was so excited to ring in the new year with Austin. She loves spending time with him and definitely sees long-term potential with him,” the insider revealed, underscoring the seriousness of their relationship. This context highlights Butler’s poised demeanor, as he navigate both personal and professional milestones under the intense scrutiny of the public eye.

Jacob Elordi, the Australian actor who previously dated Kaia Gerber, now faces the formidable challenge of portraying Elvis in Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla. This film promises a distinct perspective, focusing on Priscilla Presley’s unique story and her relationship with Elvis, rather than a broad biopic of the musician’s entire life. Elordi, 25, has garnered significant attention for his roles in popular projects like The Kissing Booth series and particularly for his compelling performance as Nate Jacobs in HBO’s critically acclaimed drama Euphoria. Taking on the role of Elvis after Butler’s widely praised performance presents a unique hurdle, demanding a fresh interpretation and a readiness to be compared. However, Coppola’s distinctive directorial style and focus on character-driven narratives suggest that Elordi’s portrayal will offer a nuanced and intimate look at the music legend through a different lens, moving away from a direct comparison with Butler’s expansive portrayal. The choice of Elordi indicates a desire for a raw and authentic performance that aligns with Coppola’s artistic vision, potentially showcasing a side of Elvis rarely seen on screen.

The kind words of encouragement for Elordi came merely hours before Austin Butler received the coveted award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. This was not only Butler’s inaugural Golden Globe nomination but also his first win, marking a significant milestone in the career of The Carrie Diaries alum. The atmosphere at the Beverly Hilton International Ballroom was electric, and Butler’s acceptance speech resonated with genuine emotion and humility. “Oh, man, all my words are leaving me. I just am so grateful right now. I’m in this room full of my heroes,” Austin began in his heartfelt acceptance speech. He seized the moment to express his profound gratitude to those who believed in him, specifically acknowledging luminaries such as Bullet Train star Brad Pitt and visionary director Quentin Tarantino. He then turned his heartfelt appreciation to the director of Elvis, stating, “I owe this to a bold, visionary filmmaker who allowed me the experience to take risks and I always knew I would be supported. I love you, Baz Luhrmann.” This win cements Butler’s status as a leading man in Hollywood and positions him favorably for future accolades in the ongoing awards season.

Congratulations to our Golden Globe winner for Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama, @austinbutler! 🏆 #GoldenGlobes pic.twitter.com/3J0s10IeXs

— Golden Globe Awards (@goldenglobes) January 11, 2023

The Golden Globe Awards serve as a significant barometer for Hollywood’s awards season, often predicting potential nominees and winners for the Academy Awards. Butler’s victory in the fiercely competitive Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama category, which included celebrated performances from industry veterans, underscored the profound impact of his work in Elvis. His speech, delivered with a lingering trace of Elvis’s vocal cadence—a testament to how deeply he immersed himself in the role—highlighted the emotional and physical toll the character took. This commitment, however, ultimately paid off, solidifying his performance as one of the year’s most talked-about and critically acclaimed. The Golden Globe win not only brings personal triumph but also elevates the profile of the film, encouraging more viewers to experience Baz Luhrmann’s cinematic masterpiece and Butler’s transformative portrayal.

As Austin Butler concluded his memorable speech, he extended his appreciation to his esteemed co-stars, including the legendary Tom Hanks, 66, who played Elvis’s enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. “Thank you for believing in me in those moments that I didn’t even believe in myself. I’m so grateful to you. I also want to thank my dance partner, the greatest dance partner I could have ever hoped for, Mr. Tom Hanks,” Butler genuinely expressed. His gratitude also encompassed another titan of cinema, Denzel Washington, 68, a three-time Golden Globe winner. “I gotta thank Denzel Washington,” he stated with earnestness. “Denzel, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your generosity in championing me when you did not have to.” This acknowledgement highlighted a crucial moment in Butler’s career, as Washington famously recommended the younger actor for the role of Elvis to director Baz Luhrmann, a detail confirmed by Variety. Their prior collaboration on the 2018 Broadway play The Iceman Cometh forged a bond of mentorship that proved pivotal for Butler’s future. Denzel’s faith in Austin’s talent provided the essential push needed for him to secure the career-defining role, demonstrating the power of seasoned actors supporting emerging ones.

Finally, Butler reserved his deepest appreciation for the Presley family, particularly Priscilla Presley, 77, and her daughter Lisa Marie Presley, 54. He thanked them for generously opening their “hearts, memories, and homes” to him, providing invaluable insight and support throughout the filmmaking process. Their blessing was paramount to the project’s success, ensuring an authentic and respectful portrayal of their beloved family member. The cooperation of the Presley estate allowed Butler to delve into intimate family stories and personal anecdotes, which enriched his performance and added layers of emotional authenticity to the film. This collaborative spirit not only honored Elvis’s legacy but also ensured that the film resonated deeply with those closest to him, making Butler’s performance a tribute born out of genuine understanding and affection. Austin Butler’s Golden Globe victory, therefore, was not merely a personal triumph but a celebration of a collective effort to bring the iconic story of Elvis Presley back to the big screen with unprecedented depth and respect.