Inside the Fantastical Premiere of Baz Luhrmann’s Movie Musical Epic Elvis

Following an impressive 12-minute standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival, the cast and crew of Baz Luhrmann s movie musical epic Elvis—alongside a coterie of other stars on the Croisette–gathered to celebrate its world premiere at the after-party.

On the Palais Stephanie beach, a maximalist music venue that resembled something from Luhrmann s imagination was created from scratch. Beneath silver, shimmering draping, grandiose curtains, and gigantic orbs suspended from the ceiling, waiters served Champagne and Campari cocktails to early guests as the stars of the movie made their way from the Grand Theatre Lumiere.

In attendance from the film was the lead actor Austin Butler, who plays the titular star, alongside Alton Mason, who plays Little Richard. Luhrmann and his wife, the costume designer Catherine Martin, also walked the red carpet at the party.

Others showing up to support Luhrmann included playwright Jeremy O. Harris, musician Kylie Minogue, actor Casey Affleck, and MMA fighter Conor McGregor. Both O. Harris and McGregor have been staple presences on the Cannes party scene over the past week.

They gathered on the beach to watch a musically-led drone display that maneuvered to show Elvis s iconic silhouettes as both covers of his music and original tracks by the likes of Kacey Musgraves and Doja Cat played.

Shortly after, Eurovision winners Måneskin, who also contributed music to the film, took to the stage to perform songs to the captivated crowd before DJ and producer Diplo arrived to play a set.

As the clock struck midnight, Luhrmann took to the stage, bringing Butler with him, to announce the release of a new song from the Elvis soundtrack featuring Swae Lee, Diplo, and Presley s vocals. All three artists, he pointed out, have ties to Presley s famous hometown, Tupelo,
Mississippi.

Meanwhile, as the night played on, the former partner of Elvis himself, Priscilla Presley, slipped inconspicuously through the crowd. She may not have been involved in the production, but it seems the film—which charts Elvis Presley s whole life—is sensitive enough to earn the approval of those closest to him.