Huge congratulations are in order for the biggest biopic of the year, “Elvis”!
Directed by the incredibly talented Baz Luhrmann, “Elvis” has recently become the biggest hit of 2023! His other works include “The Great Gatsby” (2013) and “Romeo + Juliet” (1996), both starring Leonardo DiCaprio, I may add.
At last week’s Oscars, “Elvis” took home the Academy Award for both Best Picture and Actor in a Leading Role.
Based on the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley, this movie highlights the triumphs and failures of his life, from starting out in the music industry to eventually taking on a residency in Las Vegas. Played by Austin Butler, this film touched on some of Presley’s greatest hits, from “Hound Dog” to “Suspicious Minds.”
Doja Cat even made her way into the movie, with an adaption of the classic “Hound Song,” titled “Vegas.” I’d check it out on Spotify if I were you — it’s pretty great.
Austin Butler managed to beat some pretty great actors in his category. He surpassed Brendan Fraser, who starred in “The Whale,” as well as newcomer Paul Mescal, who starred in “Aftersun.” I’m not very familiar with Fraser’s work, but I have seen Mescal in his breakout role as Connell in Hulu’s “Normal People.” If you haven’t seen it, or read the book by Sally Rooney, you should.
Now, back to “Elvis.” As mentioned before, not only did Butler win for Best Actor for his incredible emulation of the king of rock music, but the movie also won for Best Picture.
Beating the predicted winner “Everything Everywhere All at Once” and other fan-favorites, including “Top Gun: Maverick” and “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Elvis” is the most-awarded movie of the night.
The other nominated movies were snubbed, some going home with no awards at all. It is very unfortunate for them, but wonderful for “Elvis.”
All in all, the whole cast and crew should be proud of this movie and all of the love it received this year. This biopic is one for the ages, and Baz Luhrmann proves to be one of the best directors out there once again.
With this incredible Oscar buzz and recognition, there remains some mystery as to what Luhrmann will choose to work on next. Maybe another biopic? Maybe another book adaptation? These remain questions, but let’s face the facts. Austin Butler won an Oscar for his role in “Elvis,” but there must have been someone, or something, missing for Luhrmann. My guess is Leonardo DiCaprio.
