The Oscar nominations have been revealed and it’s no secret that the world wants Leonardo DiCaprio to finally win his first, well deserved Oscar. We’ve gathered up 10 of his movies that were real winners in our hearts starting with:
10. Catch Me If You Can
Based on a true story, DiCaprio plays a conman named Frank Abagnale. His scheme began after he ran away from home and ran out of money, soon becoming rich before his 19th birthday when he posed as a Pan American World Airways pilot. His specialty was check fraud and he became the most famous con man in the world, which led up to helping the FBI catch other con men. DiCaprio does an outstanding job in this film making you fall in love with the lying character. The film also stars Tom Hanks, Christopher Walken and Amy Adams.
9. Shutter Island
A rather stunning movie about a man who goes to Shutter Island to investigate the case of a missing girl from Ashecliffe Hospital. The movie has many twists and turns, ending with one huge plot twist leaving the ending unresolved for many people. Leonardo plays an amazing role in this movie which adds to the unexpected mysterious ending.
8. Django Unchained
Seeing Leonardo take on the role of a character other than the main character was rather new. DiCaprio played an amazing, yet malicious role in this movie. He’s stated that he found it very uncomfortable to play such an evil side, but his evil side truly shined. In one of the scenes, Leonardo smashes his hand on the table in rage and smashes his hand in real glass. His commitment to his acting is shown in this scene as he keeps acting without a care in the world. The bleeding and blood all over Kerry Washington’s face was indeed real. Take a look:
7. The Basketball Diaries
Based on the life of Jim Carroll, played by DiCaprio, Carroll landed in a group of bad friends who resulted in his drug addiction. Avoiding going back home, he’s left all alone in the streets with nothing but cocaine. Leonardo plays a shocking role in this film, perfectly impersonating the life of a drug addict.
6. What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Backstage at the 2016 Golden Globes, DiCaprio spoke about his commitment to this film stating that it was the first role he truly cared about, and that he was proud of himself for having such strong commitment at a very young age (17). He plays along side Johnny Depp as his mentally challenged brother and does an amazing job at doing so.
5. The Wolf Of Wall Street
Directed by Martin Scorsese, this real life story is about a man who went from having almost nothing, to having everything he ever wanted and more. He began as a stockbroker who ended up setting his own business in Wall Street with neighbor, Donnie Azoff, played by Jonah Hill. Belfort began as a scammer and worked his way up to being known as the Wolf of Wall Street. DiCaprio won a Golden Globe for this performance in 2014, and stated that he never thought he would ever win for a comedy film.
4. The Aviator
In another Scorsese directed film, Leonardo takes on the role of a man (Howard Hughes) who is obsessed with making everything perfect. From his planes, to his woman, everything had to be Hughes way. Hughes and DiCaprio may have had something in common and it’s that they were both extreme perfectionists at their jobs. He admits to having developed a slight case of OCD while trying to perfect the role of this perfectionist man. His perfectionist way of being paid off in 2005 when he took home a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an actor in motion picture.
3. Titanic
Jack Dawson may be known for one of his most famous roles, but he definitely didn’t want any part in the film. The director of the movie, James Cameron, stated, “His character doesn’t go through torment, and Leo previously and subsequently in his career was always looking for that dark cloud. It became my job to convince him that it was a challenge to do what Gregory Peck and Jimmy Stewart did in previous generations, to stand there and be strong and hold the audience’s eye without seeming to do very much. Only when I convinced him that was actually the harder thing to do that he got excited.” Leonardo hated getting wet and absolutely hated the cold but he performed effortlessly perfect in this tragic love story.
2. The Great Gatsby
A saddening story about a man who is still in love with the woman he fell in love with before he left to the army. Everyday he throws a party across from her house in hopes of catching her attention. This movie will make you fall in love with Jay Gatsby and his broken heart, and will leave you with a raging hate towards Daisy Buchanan.
1. The Revenant
Based on real life events, DiCaprio enduces the risk of hypothermia while taking on the role of a 19th century huntsman. His commitment as an actor is shown in this gruesome film. He ate a fish straight from a near lake and slept inside a real horse’s carcass. The world believes this might be Leonardo’s chance to finally win the Oscar he should’ve won years ago.
The Revenant has been nominated for over 10 categories, DiCaprio being nominated for Best Actor in a leading role. We truly believe this is Leo’s big shot, and we wish him the best! Will you be watching this years Oscar Awards on February 28th? Share your thoughts with us and let us know on Twitter @CelebMix!