As Austin Bulter basks in the glory after receiving his first-ever Oscar nomination for his role in "Elvis", he can't help but feel a twinge of sadness because he can't bask alongside Lisa Marie Presley, who died last Jan. 12.
The 31-year-old actor's feelings must have been thrown into some kind of whirlpool after going through so many emotions in the past week up until today.
He was seen looking very somber as he attended the late singer's memorial service just the other day, and now he's celebrating his first Oscar nod.
"I woke up to about 20 missed calls from my agent, manager, and everybody," he told "Today with Hoda & Jenna." "What an exciting way to wake up."
Despite feeling pumped with the prestigious recognition for his hard work in the recently-released biopic, everything felt "bittersweet."
"It's sort of a bittersweet moment right now because I think about how much I wish she was here right now to get to celebrate with me," he continued.
"It's the same thing with Elvis, I wish that they could be in these moments. It feels kind of strange to celebrate at a time of such deep grief. I sort of think of it as a way to honor her."
Before Presley suddenly died of cardiac arrest, she actually attended the Golden Globes Awards in support of Butler, who won Best Actor in a Drama, Motion Picture.
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During his acceptance speech, Butler acknowledged the Presleys for welcoming him warmly for his portrayal of the patriarch of the family.
"My overwhelming gratitude to the Presley family is immeasurable. You opened your arms to me and I will never forget it. No words can describe the profound impact you have had on me. This is a dream I will never forget."
In a way, he is now considered a close family friend of the Presleys, as he was seated in 2nd row at Presley's memorial in Graceland.
He was seen attending with his girlfriend model Kaia Gerber. They were both seated just behind the immediate family of the late singer.
Elsewhere in the interview, Butler reflected on the process of portraying the "Suspicious Minds" singer: "It was such a daunting undertaking, making this movie, and it was also a very long process. 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 surreal and amazing."
