“Austin Butler commands the screen with a larger-than-life performance as Elvis Presley in Baz Luhrmann’s spectacular film Elvis. The heart and soul of the movie, Butler’s dedication to this role shows in the nuances he brought to the character, seen through multiple decades of the often-tumultuous life Elvis lived, as well as the sprawling live performances where Austin embodies the iconic artist in a way previously unseen on the big screen,” said Harold Matzner, the festival chairman. “We are honored to present the Breakthrough Performance Award to Austin Butler”.
More Awards
'ELVIS' editors Matt Villa and Jonathan Redmond won the Avid Award for the Best Editing in a Feature Drama from the Australian Screen Editors.
Armond Morales Died
Armond Morales, founding member and original bass vocalist for The Imperials and Gospel Music Hall of Fame member, has passed away. R.I.P.
His son posted the following message on Instagram:
Yesterday was a day I will never forget. I had the honor of spending my fathers last moments on earth with him. He was a man of quiet strength and deep love. He was a singer with a Christian group called the Imperials. He sang backup for Elvis and changed the face of Christian music. I will miss him deeply but I know he is in heaven singing his heart out and rejoicing. I will see you again dad I love you. – Jason Morales (via instagram)
The Classic Imperials posted: Today we mourn the loss of our beloved Armond Morales
“He was born on a Thursday, February 25th, 1932 and is walking on the streets of gold into the arms of Jesus on Monday, December 5th, 2022. He gets to hear the words, well done a good and faithful servant!” Says Bonnie, Armond’s wife of 52 years.
Armond owned and managed the Imperials through every transition, from the very beginning. It was only 5 years ago, that Armond retired from management and the road. Even though Armond was no longer part of the public team, he was always available with his wonderful advice and encouragement.
We all knew Armond’s countless accolades but the accolade he was most committed to was his family. Bonnie and Jason, We are here for you. We are loving you and praying for you.
To our dear Armond… Life is such a short -dash- . Today you are standing in the Presence of The King. We will miss you until we join you once again for a great reunion.
The Imperials,
Paul Smith, Rick Evans, Ron Hemby.
Morales appeared in the movie “That's The Way It Is” and has recorded 42 Albums and 463 Songs just with The Imperials. With the Imperials he recorded with Elvis from 1967 to 1973.
1966: How Great Thou Art (RCA)
1969: From Memphis to Vegas/From Vegas to Memphis (Elvis in Person at the International Hotel)(RCA)
1970: Live at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, NV August 26, 1969 (RCA)
1970: On Stage (RCA)
1970: That's the Way It Is (RCA)
1971: Elvis Country (I'm 10,000 Years Old) (RCA)
1971: Love Letters from Elvis (RCA)
1971: Elvis Sings The Wonderful World of Christmas (RCA)
1972: Elvis Now (RCA)
1972: He Touched Me (RCA)
1973: Elvis (RCA)
This included his last two Grammy Award-producing albums: How Great Thou Art (which won a Grammy for the title song and featured a duet with Jake Hess on the classic Statesmen song "If the Lord Wasn't Walking by My Side") and He Touched Me (which used many of the songs that The Imperials had recorded on their own albums and, again, won a Grammy for the title song)
(Source: The Hollywood Reporter / People Choice Award / Facebook / If Australia/ Jason Morales / Imperials / Wikipedia)