Austin Butler misses out on chance to commemorate Lisa Marie Presley at Critics Choice Award as he leaves empty-handed

Austin Butler is being lauded for his role in the Elvis biopic, and was nominated for best actor at the Critics Choice Awards. He failed to win the accolade on Sunday 15 January, as this went to Brendan Fraser's turn in The Whale.

The disappointment on Austin's face was clear to see as cameras fell on him after Brendan's name was announced. It was not that Austin won't have been happy for Brendan, the two men were seen sharing a few words and a laugh at the Palm Springs International Film Festival last week.

Nor will the disappointment be due to ego, he won the Golden Globe for best actor last week and he's still very much in contention for the Oscars on March 12, 2023.

The death of Lisa Marie Presley on January 12, just two days after Austin's Golden Globes win will be the central focus of his desire for a platform to honour her life. His regret is at least tempered by the fact he said how much he loved Lisa Marie and her mum, Priscilla, and thanked them during his award win last week. The pair were in attendance and saw Austin give a moving speech.

Butler may well have other opportunities to dedicate an award to Lisa Marie as awards season is in full swing. There is still the Screen Actors Guild in February, as well as the Satellite Awards.

Lisa Marie was a big fan of Austin's and said his portrayal of her father, Elvis, was incredible.

Lisa Marie Presley said her father Elvis Presley would have been "proud" of the film starring Austin Butler just days before her tragic death on Thursday aged 54.

Speaking at a Golden Globes pre-party on Elvis' actual birthday, Jan. 8., Lisa Marie said she was "overwhelmed" by the Elvis movie, for which Butler won a Golden Globe for Best Actor (Drama).

"I just want to thank you for coming," Lisa Marie said alongside Butler, daughter Riley Keogh and the film's director, Baz Luhrmann.

"I'm so overwhelmed by this film and the effect that it's had and what Baz has done, what Austin has done," Lisa Marie added. "I'm so proud. And I know that my father would also be very proud. So, I want to thank you all for being here and I - I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude, so thank you."

Austin did release a statement on Saturday 14 January, two days after Lisa's death.

"My heart is completely shattered for Riley, Finley, Harper, and Priscilla at the tragic and unexpected loss of Lisa Marie," said Austin in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. "I am eternally grateful for the time I was lucky enough to be near her bright light and will forever cherish the quiet moments we shared. Her warmth, her love, and her authenticity will always be remembered."

Perhaps Austin and Lisa's connection was made closer by the fact her son, Benjamin Keough, died by suicide in 2020 and also as Austin lost his mother to cancer in 2014. They maybe gave each other comfort from their bereavements and fulfilled a part of the role that the loss had created.