Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis biopic gets incredible 12-minute standing ovation at Cannes Film FestivalRachael O'ConnorEntertainment – Metro

Austin Butler transforms into Elvis in Baz Lurhmann’s biopic, which has enjoyed an incredible reception at Cannes Film Festival (Picture: Warner Bros)

Baz Luhrmann’s biopic of iconic musician Elvis Presley received a standing ovation of no less than 12 minutes as it premiered at Cannes Films Festival.

The tell-all film stars Austin Butler, who has given his all to transform into the hip-shaking King of Rock n Roll.

In fact, just a day after he finished filming, Butler’s body ‘began shutting down’ with a painful virus and he was rushed to hospital shortly after wrapping his scenes.

Thankfully Butler has fully recovered – and it appears all that hard work has paid off.

Elvis premiered at Cannes Film Festival this week, and as the credits rolled the theatre was shaken by cheers and applause by audiences, who gave an incredible 12-minute-long standing ovation.

As reported by Variety, this was the longest standing ovation so far this year from this year’s prestigious film festival, and the film’s lead Butler was seen becoming emotional as the applause went on and on.

Butler received spontaneous applause throughout the film (Picture: AFP)

Presley is regarded as one of the most important pop culture figures of the 20th century (Picture: Bettmann Archive)

The audience had reportedly spontaneously burst into applause throughout the musical biopic, particularly as Butler performed some of the musician’s most iconic tracks.

Actor Butler was embraced by Priscilla Presley, who was married to the musician and had flown from the United States to the south of France to see her ex-husband’s biopic.

Luhrmann, meanwhile, was said to have hugged his cast members, which includes the legendary Tom Hanks, and wiped away tears before taking the microphone and thanking them directly.

Butler, Hanks and Luhrmann were moved by the audience’s incredible reaction to the film (Picture: AFP)

He admitted that, when Covid-19 first shut down production of the film, he worried it was ‘never going to happen.’

‘But for the bravery of [Tom Hanks] to come back, and the bravery of this cast and this crew to go on through COVID and to finish this film, and we are back in Cannes.

‘And to see these streets so full of people who love movies, of every form of life and every background and every kind of movie, there’s so much more about what this place means and what it means to be back in the cinema,’ he said.

‘And for that, we are eternally grateful, Cannes. All I can say is: Merci beaucoup, merci beaucoup, merci beaucoup.’

The biopic, which is set for release in June, follows Presley’s rise to fame, helped by contentious manager Colonel Tom Parker (Hanks) as he goes from a young boy in Memphis to an international star.

Presley’s family have supported Butler in the role, with his daughter Lisa Marie saying he should win an Oscar for the role.

Lisa Marie previously raved about the movie, tweeting: ‘I do want to take a moment to let you know that I’ve seen Baz Luhrmann’s movie Elvis twice now.

‘Let me tell you that it is nothing short of spectacular. Absolutely exquisite. Austin Butler channelled and embodied my father’s heart & soul beautifully.’

Presley’s daughter, Lisa Marie, says Butler should get an Oscar nod for his performance (Picture: WireImage)

Both Lisa Marie and her mother, Priscilla, were pleased with the biopic and how it portrayed their father and ex-husband (Picture: Getty Images)

She continued: ‘In my humble opinion, his performance is unprecedented and FINALLY done accurately and respectfully. (If he doesn’t get an Oscar for this, I will eat my own foot, haha.)

‘You can feel and witness Baz’s pure love, care, and respect for my father throughout this beautiful film, and it is finally something that myself and my children and their children can be proud of forever.’

More: Trending

Presley died in Memphis in 1977 at the age of 42 following one of the most influential careers in popular music with hit songs like Can’t Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation, Don’t Be Cruel, Jailhouse Rock, Love Me Tender and many more.

Elvis hits cinemas on June 24.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE : Priscilla Presley holds onto Tom Hanks and poses with Austin Butler at star-studded Elvis premiere at Cannes Film Festival

MORE : Austin Butler’s body ‘started shutting down’ after he played Elvis Presley: ‘I was rushed to hospital’

Entertainment – MetroRead More