Austin Butler Dedicates 'Bittersweet' Oscar Nomination To Lisa Marie Presley

Austin Butler , who received his first Oscar nomination on Tuesday for Elvis , says the honor is bittersweet as he and Lisa Marie Presley had grown close before her untimely death this month.

Its sort of a bittersweet moment right now because I think of how much I wish she was here right now to get to celebrate with me, Butler told Hoda Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager when he called in to Today With Hoda and Jenna after learning of the nomination. Its the same thing I feel with Elvis; I wish that they could see these moments, you know?

Its just sort of strange to celebrate at a time of such deep grief, he continued. But I sort of think of it as a way to honor her. This is for her.

Austin Butler just woke up and got on the phone with Hoda and Jenna to talk about his Actor in a leading role #Oscars nomination for Elvis.

What an exciting way to wake up!, he said. pic.twitter.com/Jv3nlAWEd7
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) January 24, 2023

Lisa Marie, the only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, died from cardiac arrest in Los Angeles on Jan. 12 . The 54-year-old singer-songwriter had attended the Golden Globes with Butler who won for Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture only two days prior.

Im so overwhelmed by this film and the effect that its had and what Baz [Luhrmann] has done, Austins done, Presley said at a party the night before the Globes . Im so proud, and I know that my father would also be very proud Im overwhelmed with gratitude, so thank you.

Butler said days after Presleys death that his heart was completely shattered.

The California native, whose voice still notably resembles the Kings , said during recent roundtable talks with The Hollywood Reporter and the Los Angeles Times that Elvis was a huge challenge a sentiment he repeated Tuesday.

Your Support Has Never Been More Critical

Other news outlets have retreated behind paywalls. At HuffPost, we believe journalism should be free for everyone.

Would you help us provide essential information to our readers during this critical time? We can't do it without you.

Can't afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.

You've supported HuffPost before, and we'll be honest we could use your help again . We view our mission to provide free, fair news as critically important in this crucial moment, and we can't do it without you.

Whether you give once or many more times, we appreciate your contribution to keeping our journalism free for all.

Whether you give just one more time or sign up again to contribute regularly, we appreciate you playing a part in keeping our journalism free for all.

Support HuffPost

It was such a daunting undertaking, making this movie, and it was also a very long process, Butler said on Today With Hoda and Jenna. I just remember those sleepless nights and all the fear and all the possibilities for how it could have gone wrong. Being recognized just feels very surreal and amazing.

Butler, who was nominated in the Oscars best actor category Tuesday, will go head-to-head during the March 12 ceremony with fellow nominees Colin Farrell (The Banshees of Inisherin), Brendan Fraser (The Whale), Paul Mescal (Aftersun) and Bill Nighy (Living).