Gregory Robinson
Austin Butler attended the Oscars without his girlfriend and he has now explained why.
The Best Actor nominee, who stunned audiences with his incredible performance as Elvis Presley, walked the champagne carpet without Kaia Gerber, 21.
“This is Saint Laurent,” the 31-year-old star said on the E! pre-show. “I don’t know what story I’m telling – I just thought it was a beautiful tuxedo.”
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Model and actress Gerber, who has been dating Butler since December 2021, was noticeably absent from the show. The former Hannah Montana actor took his long-time agent James Farrell with him instead, according to W.
“I’ve got my best friend here with me, who is also my agent,” Butler told ABC reporters during the channel’s pre-show. “And I owe my career to him, so as a thank you, I wanted him to be by my side tonight.”
To the surprise of countless Elvis fans, Butler didn’t take home the award for Best Actor – which went to The Whale star Brendan Fraser.
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Even though the future Dune: Part Two star went home empty handed he had the support of Gerber, who joined him for an after party.
The loved-up pair walked the carpet at the Vanity Fair after-party together in two sleek looks.
Gerber wore a silver halter-neck slip dress with an opening at the bust and a very high leg slit. The gorgeous garment was also encrusted with crystals.
Butler, who wore a black velvet suit by Saint Laurent to the ceremony, swapped this suit for another which was also crafted by the fashion house. He wore a silk purple blouse with a large matching lavallière. The shirt was paired with an oversized black breasted blazer and matching trousers.
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The California native admitted he put in a hell of a lot of effort into transforming himself into the King of Rock and Roll.
Speaking to Janelle Monáe for Variety's Actors on Actors series late last year, Butler opened up about taking method acting to the extreme.
"During Elvis I didn't see my family for about three years," the 31-year-old said. "I was prepping with Baz [Luhrmann], and then I went to Australia.
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"I had months where I wouldn't talk to anybody. And when I did, the only thing I was ever thinking about was Elvis.
"I was speaking in his voice the whole time."
The hard work definitely paid off - well done Austin!