The fifth time turned out to be “the charm” forLeonardo DiCaprio, who finally took home his firstOscarin his storied career for his critically-acclaimed performance inThe Revenant. Many awards season pundits felt that this would finally be Leo’s year, and in a night with very few “upsets,” they were all proven to be correct. Here’s what the actor had to say last month upon learning he was nominated for his performance.
“I am so grateful to the Academy for their recognition of this film. MakingThe Revenantwas one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life. None of this would have been possible withoutAlejandro (González Iñárritu)’s talent, vision and determination. Our dedicated crew also deserves to share in this moment. Together, they have created a truly unique cinematic experience. Congratulations to all of my fellow nominees this season. Thank you to theAcademy.”
Leonardo DiCapriowas previously nominated forWhat’s Eating Gilbert Grape,The Aviator,Blood DiamondandThe Wolf of Wall Street. Perhaps one of his most infamous Oscar moments was when he wasn’t even nominated for the record-breaking blockbusterTitanic, which went on to win 11 Oscars includingBest Picture. The actor didn’t even show up to the Oscar ceremony in 1998, which lead some to theorize that the Academy was collectively upset that he didn’t put in an appearance. Now, nearly 20 years later, Leo finally has his first Oscar.
The Revenantwas a notoriously difficult film to make, with the actor speaking out on many occasions that it was his most difficult project ever. The film went over schedule when they were forced to shut down production since the unseasonably mild Canadian winter didn’t yield enough snow needed for the movie. Inspired by true events,The Revenantis an immersive and visceral cinematic experience capturing one man’s epic adventure ofsurvivaland the extraordinary power of the human spirit.
In an expedition of the uncharted American wilderness, legendary explorer Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) is brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead by members of his own hunting team. In a quest to survive, Glass endures unimaginable grief as well as the betrayal of his confidant John Fitzgerald (Tom Hardy). Guided by sheer will and the love of his family, Glass must navigate a vicious winter in a relentless pursuit to live and find redemption.The Revenantlanded 12 Oscar nominations, the most for any film this year, but it only won three Oscars, one forLeonardo DiCaprio, one for Best Director (Alejandro González Iñárritu) and one for Best Cinematography (Emmanuel Lubezki). Are you glad that Leo finally got his first Oscar?
