Priscilla Presley was overwhelmed with emotion after the upcoming biographical film “Elvis” received an exceptional 12-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival – the longest applause so far, according to Variety.
The 77-year-old, who was married to rock’n’roll legend Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973, reportedly wiped away tears as she hugged director Baz Luhrmann after the screening.
As the applause continued and continued, the tearful Austin Butler – who stepped into the iconic singer’s blue suede shoes – embraced the equally emotional Priscilla.
Priscilla Presley attended the screening of Elvis during the 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2022 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
At the event after the screening, lights in the sky shaped the outlines of the legendary singer, which reads “#Elvismovie” above.
While the audience was still on their feet, Luhrmann hugged the cast and was clearly thrilled by the warm welcome from the audience for his latest project.
Priscilla Presley wiped away tears as she hugged director Baz Luhrmann after the screening. Getty Images
The director said that when the production of the film was stopped by COVID, he felt as if “it will never happen”.
“But for the courage of Tom to come back, and the courage of his cast and this crew, to go through COVID and finish this film… and we’re back in Cannes,” he said.
“And to see these streets so full of people who love movies, from every form of life, from every origin and every kind of film, says a lot more about what this place means and what it means to be in the cinema again. So we are eternally grateful for that, Cannes. ”
A portrait photo shows American rock and roll singer Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla Presley in the 1960s. Getty Images
Earlier, Presley praised the new film, officially giving its seal of approval last month.
In a Facebook post, the Naked Gun actress said she watched the film with her late ex-husband Jerry Schilling’s longtime boyfriend and was impressed that Butler was taking the lead.
“The story is about the relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker,” Presley wrote. “This is a real story, told brilliantly and creatively, which only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could tell. Austin Butler, who plays Elvis, is exceptional. ”
Austin Butler was praised for his role as Elvis in the film, as Priscilla Presley called his performance as the legendary singer “extraordinary.” Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture
“In the middle of the movie, Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW !!!” she shared. “Well done to him,” he knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing this role. I can only imagine. “
Ahead of the world premiere of Elvis in Cannes, the film won rave reviews from Lisa Marie Presley and singer Riley Kew’s granddaughter.
Lisa Marie called the film “nothing but spectacular.”
However, with that in mind, I would like to take a moment to let you know that I have already seen Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis twice. Let me tell you, it’s nothing but spectacular. Absolutely sophisticated. Austin Butler betrayed and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully.
– Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
“Austin betrayed and embodied my father’s heart and soul beautifully,” she said. “In my humble opinion, his presentation is unprecedented and has finally been made accurately and respectfully. If he doesn’t get an Oscar for it, I’ll eat my own foot.
Kyo told Variety in Cannes that she started crying in the first five minutes after watching Elvis, adding: “I could feel how much work Buzz and Austin put in to try to fix it.”
“It immediately made me feel emotional… I was honored to work so hard to really understand his essence, to feel his essence. Austin caught it so beautifully, “she added.
Ahead of the world premiere of Elvis in Cannes, the film won rave reviews from Lisa Marie Presley and singer Riley Kew’s granddaughter. WireImage
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