Priscilla Presley was thrilled after the upcoming biopic “Elvis” received a standing ovation at the 12th minute at the Cannes Film Festival, the longest applause to date, according to Variety.
The 77-year-old woman, who was married to rock’n’-roll legend Elvis Presley from 1967 to 1973, wiped away her tears as she hugged director Baz Luhrmann after the screening.
As the spirits went on and on, a tear-eyed Austin Butler, who put on the iconic crooner’s blue suede shoes, hugged an equally emotional Priscilla.
Priscilla Presley attends the screening of “Elvis” at the 75th Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 25, 2022 in Cannes, France. Getty Images
In the act after the screening, the lights of the sky formed the outlines of the legendary singer, where “#Elvismovie” could be read above.
With the audience still standing, Luhrmann hugged his cast members and was clearly moved by the warm public reception of his latest project.
Priscilla Presley wiped away her tears as she hugged director Baz Luhrmann after the screening. Getty Images
The director said that when the production of the film COVID closed he felt that “it will never happen”.
“But let Tom’s courage return, and the courage of his cast and this team, to continue with COVID, and to finish this film … and we’re back in Cannes,” he said.
“And seeing these streets so full of people who love movies, all walks of life, all backgrounds and all kinds of movies says a lot more about what this place means and what it means to go back to the movies. For that, we are eternally grateful, Cannes.
A portrait photo shows American rock and roll singer Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla Presley in the 1960s. Getty Images
Presley has previously sung his praises for the new film, officially giving it the seal of approval last month.
In a Facebook post, the “Naked Gun” actress said she saw the film with her ex-husband’s friend, Jerry Schilling, and was impressed that Butler took on the lead role.
“The story is about the relationship between Elvis and Colonel Parker,” Presley wrote. “It’s a brilliantly and creatively told real story that only Baz, in his unique artistic way, could have delivered. Austin Butler, who played Elvis, is exceptional. “
Austin Butler was praised for his role as Elvis in the film, as Priscilla Presley called his portrayal of the legendary singer “exceptional.” Courtesy of Warner Bros. Picture
“Halfway through the movie Jerry and I looked at each other and said WOW !!!” she shared. “Bravo to him … I knew he had big shoes to fill. He was extremely nervous playing that role. I can only imagine.”
Prior to Elvis’ world premiere at Cannes, the film garnered rave reviews from Lisa Marie Presley and the granddaughter of crooner Riley Keough.
Lisa Marie called the film “nothing spectacular.”
That said, I want to take a moment to let you know that I’ve seen Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” movie twice now. Let me tell you – it was a no-brainer. Absolutely exquisite. Austin Butler channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul in a wonderful way.
– Lisa Marie Presley (@LisaPresley) May 14, 2022
“Austin channeled and embodied my father’s heart and soul in a wonderful way,” he said. “In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and finally done with precision and respect. If I don’t get an Oscar for it, I’ll eat my own foot. “
Keough told Variety in Cannes that he started crying for the first five minutes after seeing “Elvis,” adding, “I felt the work that Baz and Austin put in to try to do well.”
“I was immediately moved by this … I was honored that they worked so hard to really get their essence, to feel its essence. Austin captured it so well,” he added.
Prior to Elvis’ world premiere at Cannes, the film garnered rave reviews from Lisa Marie Presley and the granddaughter of crooner Riley Keough. WireImage
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