Austin Butler continued his streak of successful award wins for his role as the iconic Elvis Presley in the Baz Lurhmann-directed biopic, Elvis.
On Sunday night, the actor picked up the gong for Best Leading Actor at the BAFTAs, where he paid tribute to the Presley family, and later described winning awards as "bittersweet" following the sudden death of Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis' daughter, in January.
Austin, 31, appeared to still be adopting the Southern drawl he perfected to play Elvis in the film as he accepted his award, where he mentioned director Baz, saying: "This film would not have been possible without you."
He then went on to show his appreciation for the Presley family, as he said: "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."
Later on in the press room, Austin acknowledged Lisa Marie's death, as he described the success of the movie as a "bittersweet" and "tragic" time.
He said: "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.
"How lucky I was to get to have that experience," of playing Elvis Presley, said Austin.
Austin, who is dating 21 year old model Kaia Gerber, was known to have formed a very close bond with Lisa Marie during his time training for and making the film.
He attended the Golden Globes with Lisa and her mother, Priscilla Presley in January, where he scooped the award for Best Actor, just days before Lisa passed away from a cardiac arrest, aged just 54.
Confirming her daughter's death on 13 January, a devastated Priscilla released a statement which read: "It is with a heavy heart that I must share the devastating news that my beautiful daughter Lisa Marie has left us.
"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."
An official family statement said: “Priscilla Presley and the Presley family are shocked and devastated by the tragic death of their beloved Lisa Marie.
“They are profoundly grateful for the support, love and prayers of everyone, and ask for privacy during this very difficult time.”
Lisa Marie's death came just over two years after the tragic death of her beloved son Benjamin Keough, who committed suicide in July 2020, which left Lisa heartbroken.
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