From Child Star to Oscar Nominee: Austin Butler’s Heartfelt Tribute to Selena Gomez and Profound Reflections on Fame Post-Elvis

In a whirlwind year that has seen him grace the coveted cover of ‘Vanity Fair’s Hollywood Issue alongside long-time friend Selena Gomez, ‘Elvis’ star Austin Butler, 31, recently shared a glimpse into his personal admiration for the Disney Channel alum. During a candid interview on February 16, Butler expressed immense pride in Gomez, highlighting their enduring bond and her inspiring journey, emphasizing a profound respect for her vulnerability and success.

Hollywood heartthrob Austin Butler has undoubtedly had a monumental year, and it’s only February! Fresh off his critically acclaimed performance in Baz Luhrmann’s ‘Elvis,’ Butler found himself featured prominently in Vanity Fair‘s prestigious 2023 Hollywood Issue, sharing the spotlight with none other than Only Murders in the Building star Selena Gomez, 30. Their joint appearance sparked conversations about their careers and shared history, leading to Austin Butler’s heartfelt comments about his dear friend. “I’ve known her [Selena] for so many years, so it is nice to get to share space with somebody for a long period of time, and I’m just so proud of her,” he gushed to ExtraTV on Thursday, February 16. His admiration wasn’t solely for her professional achievements but also for her personal courage. “Her documentary [Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me] really moved me as well, getting to see that… I thought that was so brave.” This sentiment underscores a deep respect for Selena’s transparency and strength in sharing her mental health journey with the world, a testament to the profound bond they share.

A Decades-Long Bond: Austin Butler and Selena Gomez’s Enduring Friendship

The warmth of their friendship was palpable during the Vanity Fair photoshoot, orchestrated by acclaimed photographer Steven Klein. Austin noted at the end of his interview that he felt “honored to be in her company,” emphasizing the comfort and familiarity that comes with knowing someone for decades in an industry often characterized by fleeting connections. This feeling was further elaborated upon in his conversation with Vanity Fair, where Butler reminisced about a particularly sweet moment shared with Gomez. While he was immersed in the demanding role of filmingElvis, Selena rediscovered and sent him a photograph of them together from their earlier days. “When I was filming Elvis, Selena found this photograph of the two of us when I did a guest-star thing on her show Wizards of Waverly Place. And she sends it to me, just going, ‘Wow, remember this?’ It feels like another life,” he recounted to the publication, a wistful note in his voice. This small gesture highlighted the depth of their shared history and the unique path they’ve navigated in Hollywood.

The anecdote speaks volumes about their journey. Both Austin and Selena started their careers at a young age, navigating the often tumultuous waters of child stardom. Austin reflected on this shared experience, stating, “When you’re a child actor, you see so many people come in from Texas or something, and at a certain point they may quit or go back. We’re just so fortunate to have careers in this industry for this amount of time.” This observation underscores not just their individual talents but also their remarkable resilience and dedication, allowing them to forge successful and enduring careers where many others fall by the wayside. Their friendship, rooted in these formative years, offers a genuine connection in an industry that can often feel isolating, a testament to their unwavering support for each other’s artistic and personal growth.

A Measured Rise: Austin Butler’s Appreciated Journey to Post-Elvis Success

Beyond his adorable moments and cherished friendship with the “Same Old Love” hitmaker, the blonde hunk also candidly discussed his continued success and the unique trajectory of his career following the monumental impact of Elvis. Unlike some who achieve overnight stardom, Austin’s path has been one of consistent effort and gradual ascent. He openly admitted that he is not only glad his success took time but also deeply appreciative that he is older now, allowing him to truly savor and understand the opportunities presented to him. “I mean, I had times where I just thought, Oh, maybe it’ll never happen or I’ll never get those opportunities. But now, in retrospect, I can look back and go, if I had some film that hit really big when I was younger, I wouldn’t have had to keep going back to the drawing board and saying, ‘How do you get better at this?’” he articulated.

This perspective offers invaluable insight into the benefits of a slow burn career. For Butler, the delay in widespread recognition wasn’t a setback but a crucible that forged his craft. It instilled in him a relentless pursuit of improvement, ensuring that when the spotlight finally found him with Elvis, he was more than ready. This journey, marked by perseverance and a deep commitment to honing his acting skills, allowed him to approach his roles with greater maturity and intentionality. The gradual build-up meant he wasn’t overwhelmed by sudden fame but rather equipped with the wisdom and experience to navigate its complexities, appreciating each milestone with a seasoned understanding that might have eluded a younger, less experienced self. His appreciation for this measured rise speaks to a grounded individual who values growth and learning above instant gratification, setting a compelling example for aspiring actors.

Beyond the Limelight: Austin Butler’s Profound Insights from Portraying Elvis Presley

In addition, the Golden Globe winner admitted that portraying the legendary Elvis Presley in the 2022 biopic was far more than just a role; it was a transformative experience that taught him profound lessons about working in Hollywood and the potential for a pervasive emptiness that can accompany even the greatest success. His immersive portrayal required immense dedication, both physically and emotionally, pushing him to inhabit the King of Rock and Roll’s persona entirely. This deep dive into Elvis’s life offered a unique lens through which Austin could examine the often paradoxical nature of fame.

“I think it’s definitely made me consider who I ask for advice and who I keep close to me. Playing Elvis also just made me think about the fact that you can have seemingly everything and yet still feel empty,” Austin shared, reflecting on the profound insights he gained. He elaborated further, touching upon the universal human experience even amidst unimaginable success: “You can have all your dreams come true and still be searching for something deeper and feel very alone. You experience a ton of public love, then you’re back in a silent room.” This poignant observation reflects the very essence of Elvis’s own struggles, highlighting the isolation that can accompany global adoration. For Butler, stepping into the shoes of such an icon meant confronting these uncomfortable truths head-on, forcing him to re-evaluate his own definition of fulfillment and the importance of genuine human connection over transient public praise. The experience clearly cemented his understanding that true happiness transcends material wealth or accolades, rooting itself instead in meaningful relationships and an internal sense of purpose.

Golden Globes, Oscar Nominations, and the Enduring Legacy of Lisa Marie Presley

The former Carrie Diaries alum has experienced an unparalleled surge in his success and critical acclaim after starring in Baz Luhrmann‘s cinematic masterpiece last year. His dedicated performance as Elvis Presley garnered widespread praise, culminating in significant industry recognition. Not only did Austin earn a well-deserved Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama, but he also secured a coveted Oscar nomination for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role at the 95th Academy Awards. These accolades represent the pinnacle of acting achievement and solidify his status as a major force in Hollywood.

However, amidst the flurry of awards and nominations, what truly resonated with the 31-year-old actor was the approval of the Presley family. Upon receiving the prestigious Oscar nomination, Austin told The Hollywood Reporter that his greatest achievement transcended any statue or certificate; it was impressing the late Lisa Marie Presley and Priscilla Presley. “Those moments when Lisa Marie and Priscilla got to see the film and then I first saw them after… nothing I would do would ever top that,” he powerfully stated. This profound sentiment highlights the immense responsibility and honor he felt in portraying such an iconic figure, especially for the family who lived his legacy. The weight of their approval was paramount, validating years of intense preparation and dedication.

The significance of this approval was amplified by the tragic passing of Lisa Marie Presley shortly after the film’s release and Butler’s Golden Globe win. Austin’s emotional statement reflected this profound loss: “And especially with Lisa Marie not being here with us. I just wish she was here to celebrate today with us.” Her endorsement, given before her untimely death, became an even more precious gift, transforming his performance into a lasting tribute to her father and her family’s enduring love. For Austin Butler, connecting with the Presley family and earning their trust was the ultimate reward, proving that true success lies not just in personal achievement, but in the respect and emotional resonance forged through deeply meaningful work.

Conclusion: A Star Redefined

Austin Butler’s current standing in Hollywood is not merely defined by his recent awards or high-profile appearances. It’s underscored by a thoughtful, humble approach to his craft and a profound understanding of life’s deeper values. His journey from guest-starring roles to an Oscar-nominated performance in ‘Elvis’ has been punctuated by genuine connections, like his enduring friendship with Selena Gomez, and profound self-reflection on the nature of fame. As he continues to navigate the glittering yet complex world of Hollywood, Austin Butler emerges as an actor not only dedicated to his art but also keenly aware of the human experiences that truly enrich life, promising a future career marked by both talent and integrity.