AFI Awards hold moment of silence for Lisa Marie Presley

By JONATHAN LANDRUM Jr.
AP Entertainment Writer

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (AP) — The American Film Institute Awards have opened their ceremony with a moment of silence for singer-songwriter Lisa Marie Presley. The invite-only ceremony is honoring the Elvis Presley biopic “Elvis” among its 10 film honorees. Lisa Marie Presley has been supporting the film throughout it run, which included a win for star Austin Butler at Tuesday’s Golden Globes. AFI president Bob Gazzale began the ceremony with a moment of silence, with some in the ballroom bowing their heads. Attendees included actors Viola Davis, Ben Stiller, Sigourney Weaver, and “Elvis” director Baz Luhrmann. Presley died Thursday in Los Angeles after having a medical emergency at her home.