Austin Butler has just won a Golden Globe for Best Drama Actor for his performance as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrman's Elvis movie - but the part seems to have had a lasting impression on him.
The actor had fans a little confused on Wednesday night (11 January) when he went up to collect his award, and seemed to deliver his speech in Elvis's voice.
When the hit film dropped in early 2022, cinema-goers were blown away by Austin's spot-on performance as The King.
But since then, the actor seems to be struggling to shake off the crooner's voice, keeping it up for interviews and TV appearances.
Advert
Austin beat out Brendan Fraser, Hugh Jackman, Bill Nighy, and Jeremy Pope for the Best Drama Actor award, making it both his first Golden Globe nomination and win.
He was so shocked by the win that he almost struggled to find the words for an acceptance speech.
In that moment, it was almost as if the spirit of Elvis took over, as Austin became his award-winning character all over again.
"I'm just am so grateful right now, I’m in this room full of my heroes," he began.
Advert
"Brad (Pitt), I love you. Quentin (Tarantino), I printed out the Pulp Fiction poster when I was 12. I cannot believe I’m here right now.”
He continued: "I want to also say to my fellow nominees, you have turned in the most beautiful, profound work and I’m so honoured and proud to be listed among you.
"I owe this to a bold, visionary filmmaker who allowed me the experience to take risks and I always knew I would be supported. Baz Lurhmann, I love you.”
Advert
"And lastly, Elvis Presley himself. You were an icon and a rebel. I love you so much."
While fans watching at home were elated for Austin, they couldn't help but wonder if the actor was ever planning on dropping the Elvis impersonation.
"Is Austin Butler still in character!? He sounds exactly like Elvis!" asked one viewer.
"Austin Butler was great in Elvis but does he know he can stop playing him now?" joked another.
Advert
While some people find it charming, others are a little fed up with the act.
"Now y’all know after this, Austin ain’t gon ever stop talking in that damn voice. He locked in for life," warned one fan.
"Austin Butler has one more chance to shut the Elvis voice off I swear to god," a second tweeted.
Advert
"STOP TALKING LIKE THAT AUSTIN BUTLER YOURE FROM ANAHEIM," demanded a third.
And a fourth jibed: "Austin Butler sold his soul for this #GoldenGlobes win and his curse is speaking like Elvis for the next 7 years."
It's no wonder Austin is still struggling to let go of Elvis, since he spent three years in character, away from friends and family, for the film.
He told E! News' Daily Pop: "What I'm trying to learn is how to balance real life with when you're giving in to the obsession of a role 'cause I didn't see my family for, it turned out to be three years.
Advert
"I didn't see any one of my friends for that entire time. So, it was like the rest of my life, suddenly, I compartmentalised."
Elvis tells the story of the star's rise to fame and his complex relationship with manager Colonel Tom Parker, played by none other than Tom Hanks.
Topics: Celebrity, Golden Globes
Ali Condon