Why Kaia Gerber Wasn’t With Boyfriend Austin Butler on the 2023 Oscars Red Carpet

Austin Butler’s big night as Best Actor nominee at the Oscars began without his 21-year-old model girlfriend Kaia Gerber at his side on the red carpet. Austin, 31, opted to attend the Academy Awards solo, without his partner of over a year.

He explained on the red carpet that he actually brought his agent James Farrell as his date. “I’ve got my best friend here with me, who is also my agent,” he said on ABC’s pre-show, per People. “And I owe my career to him, so as a thank you, I wanted him to be by my side tonight.”

This isn’t surprising: Austin and Kaia have not attended any ceremonies together, but they have been at other award season events and after-parties. The move may be Austin’s way to give the two a little privacy. When Austin was asked about his relationship with Kaia in a May GQ interview, he made it clear he has no intention of talking about it ever, if he can help it. “I don’t think there’s anything I want to share about that. But thank you for providing the space,” he said.

austin butler at the 95th annual academy awards
Kevin Mazur - Getty Images

Kaia wasn’t photographed solo on the carpet either, so it’s unclear whether she is at the Academy Awards. She was last photographed in Austin, Texas, at South by Southwest yesterday. (But Austin, Texas, to Los Angeles isn’t a long trip.)

kaia gerber at sxsw
Gary Miller - Getty Images

The couple may attend Oscar after-parties together, or Kaia could join Austin quietly in the ceremony. The two were seen making out backstage at the Golden Globes, after all, so there is precedence. More recently, they posed together at W’s Best Performances party on February 24. They were seen kissing “all night” there, too, per Page Six.

austin butler and kaia gerber
Presley Ann - Getty Images

But one thing is clear: Austin wanted his Oscars red carpet moment, at least, to be his own.

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