The actor, a first-time nominee, faced stiff competition in a category that also included Brendan Fraser (“The Whale”), Hugh Jackman (“The Son”), Bill Nighy (“Living”) and Jeremy Pope (“The Inspection”).

“Oh, man, all my words are leaving me. I just am so grateful right now. I’m in this room full of my heroes,” Butler began before voicing his admiration for his “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood” co-star Brad Pitt and director Tarantino.

My Oscar Book:

“Lastly, Elvis Presley himself, you are an icon and a rebel. I love you so much. Thank you. You are remembered and I will never forget thank you! “

Butler stars as Elvis Presley in the Luhrmann-directed film, which has electrified audiences since its world premiere at the Cannes Film Fest last summer.

Training to be Elvis

To portray the King of Rock and Roll, the actor immersed himself in Presley’s world, prepping for more than a year and a half before filming began.

Butler studied Presley’s every quirk and inflection, ultimately learning to speak, sing (it’s Butler’s voice in the film’s early numbers) and move like him.

In conversation with Janelle Monáe (“Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery”), Butler reflected on shooting his first performance number (Elvis’ 1968 comeback TV Special) on just the second day of production.

“It was so nerve-racking because I had a year and a half before that point to prepare. And all the preparation is for nothing if you don’t get it,” Butler recalled.

“Before walking out onstage, I really had the terror: ‘My career feels like it’s on the line in this moment.’ But at that point in Elvis’ life, his career was on the line and he had terror.”

Breakthrough Moment

The performance marks breakthrough moment for Butler, who’s best known for small part in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, “The Dead Don’t Die” and “The Carrie Diaries.”

He recently wrapped production on Dune: Part Two.