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Austin Butler is a rising star in Hollywood, and his performance as Elvis Presley in the upcoming biopicElvishas solidified his status as one of the most promising actors of his generation. Butler’s performance has been praised by critics, and he is already being tipped for an Academy Award nomination.
In 2022, Washington was not involved in the making of the movieElvisin any official capacity. However, he did still play a role in helping Austin Butler land the titular role in the movie. With stars like Ansel Elgort, Miles Teller, and even Harry Styles having expressed interest in the lead role, it meant they were probably in the running for it, too. So how exactly did Hollywood newbie Butler bag the role?
Read more:Austin Butler Vowed to Perfect His British Accent, Dethrone Henry Cavill’s 007 Years Before Elvis: “The first American James Bond”
Austin Butler thanks Denzel Washington in his Golden Globes acceptance speech
In his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes for the award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture for his titular role inElvis,AustinButler thanked and credited Denzel Washington with getting him the role. He said,
“I also gotta thank Denzel Washington.” “Denzel, thank you for your kindness, thank you for your generosity and championing me when you didn’t have to. I’m so grateful for all eternity to you.”
Butler and Washington have worked together in a 2018 Broadway show, Eugene O’Neill’sThe Iceman Cometh.And this isn’t the first time that Butler has been all praise for Washington, either. He has previously called Washington“the godfather of acting”.
Read more:“This is where I believe his spirit is”: Austin Butler Connected With Elvis Presley’s Ghost For His Potential Oscar Winning Role
How did Denzel Washington help Austin Butler bag the Oscar-nominated role?
Denzel WashingtoncalledElvisdirectorBaz Luhrmannon Butler’s behalf after seeing Butler’s audition tape forElvis. In an interview with the folks at Entertainment Weekly, Luhrmann revealed how Butler came into the picture. Upon being asked why Butler was the right man for the job, Luhrmann said,
“He found me. I received this videotape of this young man in a flood of tears playing “Unchained Melody,” and I thought, “Wow, what is that? How is that happening?” And then I got a call from Denzel Washington, who gave me a cold call. I did not know Denzel. And he said, “I’ve just worked with this guy on stage. I’ve never seen a work ethic like it.” And I’m like, “Okay, I must see him.” Honestly, I put him through the wringer, but he lived Elvis. What he’s managed to do is not do an impersonation, but to live Elvis, to the extent that he’s humanized him.”
Washington’s recommendation was a significant boost for Butler’s chances of landing the role. Denzel Washington’s role in the making ofElvisis a testament to his generosity and his commitment to helping other actors. He is a true legend in the industry, and his influence can be seen in the work of many of today’s leading actors.
Elvisis now available to stream on Max.
Read more:“If there was a black man in a movie he was funny”: Morgan Freeman Is “Envious” of Denzel Washington Despite Over 50 Years in the Industry
Source:The Tennessee Tribune
Aaditya Pathak
Articles Published :69
Aaditya Pathak is a Entertainment News Writer at FandomWire. With over two years of experience in writing and editing content in the entertainment realm, Aaditya is well versed with the latest news and affairs. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Communication, providing him with a solid foundation for reporting on complex issues. He also happens to have an unparalleled affinity for all things best served classic—music, movies and literature.
