Topics: Celebrity, Film and TV, Entertainment, Oscars
Austin Butler says he's devastated that Lisa Marie Presley isn't around to see the film about her iconic father receive eight Oscar nominations.
The Elvis star, 31, was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of the man who changed the music industry forever.
Lisa Marie died on January 12 after suffering a full cardiac arrest at her home in California.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Butler admitted how he wished Elvis' only child had lived long enough to see the film succeed on Tinseltown's night of nights.
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"Really, the thing for me was just honoring the life of this man and his family," he said.
"That’s why those moments when Lisa Marie and Priscilla [Presley] got to see the film and then I first saw them after… nothing I would do would ever top that."
He added: "And especially with Lisa Marie not being here with us. I just wish she was here to celebrate today with us."
Butler's comments came a week and a half after Lisa Marie's tragic passing at age 54.
She was rushed to hospital and her mother said she was receiving the 'best care'.
However, she died following several hours of treatment.
Butler went on to call Lisa Marie 'the most straightforward and supportive person'.
"I know from all the times that we got to celebrate together how we would celebrate today, you know, and I wish she and Elvis were here to get to experience this time," he told The Hollywood Reporter.
Butler also recounted a heartwarming moment he shared with the daughter of The King when she first saw the film in its full glory.
"Nothing compares to that moment I looked in her eyes after she first saw the film, where she told me how much it meant to her," Butler said.
He added, heartbreakingly: "I’ll really cherish that for the rest of my life."
As well as receiving a nomination for Best Actor, Elvis has also been put forward to win Best Picture, Best Costume Design, Best Sound, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Film Editing.
Lisa Marie attended the 80th Golden Globes awards ceremony the day before she died, where she was able to see Butler take home the gong for Best Actor in a Drama Motion Picture for Baz Luhrmann's Elvis.
Butler gave the Presley's a shoutout in his acceptance speech.
"The Presley family, thank you guys for opening your hearts, your memories, your home to me," he said.
"Lisa Marie and Priscilla, I love you forever."
