Will Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Win the Oscar This Year?
— -- Leonardo DiCaprio must be hoping that the fifth time is the charm.
The 41-year-old actor received his fifth Oscar nomination today for "The Revenant," and this year he is favored to win. It would be his first Academy Award.
The star reacted graciously to his nomination.
"I am so grateful to the Academy for their recognition of this film. Making 'The Revenant' was one of the most rewarding and collaborative experiences of my life," he said in a statement. "None of this would have been possible without Alejandro'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 the Academy."
"The Revenant" actually led the number of nominations with 12, including one for director Alejandro González Iñárritu, who won last year for best director. But it's DiCaprio, who, after four previous nominations, finally seems destined to win his first Oscar.
Let's look back at his road to the Academy Awards, including his previous nominations and who won that year.
'What’s Eating Gilbert Grape'
At age 22, DiCaprio earned his first nomination in 1994 for his breakthrough role in "What’s Eating Gilbert Grape." As Johnny Depp's developmentally disabled younger brother, he received a nod for best supporting actor. Tommy Lee Jones took home the award that night for "The Fugitive."
'The Aviator'
By the time he received his next nomination, in 2005, DiCaprio was a bonafide movie star, having starred in the epic "Titanic," "Catch Me If You Can" and "Gangs of New York." Playing Howard Hughes in "The Aviator," DiCaprio earned a best actor nomination. The award went to Jamie Foxx for his portrayal of Ray Charles in "Ray."
Two years later, DiCaprio was back at the Oscars again. This time, he was nominated for best actor for his role as a Rhodesian diamond smuggler in "Blood Diamond." But it was Forest Whitaker, who portrayed Idi Amin in "The Last King of Scotland," who took home the trophy.
The Wolf of Wall Street
Many thought DiCaprio had his best shot at the Oscar for his role as a hedonistic stockbroker with "The Wolf of Wall Street." Like this year, he took home the Golden Globe, but it was for best actor in a comedy or musical. Matthew McConaughey, who won the Globe that year for best actor in a drama, went on to win the Oscar for his portrayal of an AIDS patient in "Dallas Buyers Club." DiCaprio also lost out on an Oscar for his role as producer of "Wolf." The best picture award went to "12 Years a Slave" that year.
