At last, Leonardo DiCaprio, 41, has won his first Academy Award for Best Actor in the movie, “The Revenant.” In his Oscar speech, he thanked everyone who helped him on the way and took the time to talk about climate change.
After five Oscar nominations, Leonardo DiCaprio finally walked off the stage Sunday night, February 28, with the coveted gold trophy.
The actor, who was a favorite to win, took home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in “The Revenant.”
DiCaprio used his acceptance speech to highlight an issue close to his heart which is global warming.
“Making ‘The Revenant’ was about man’s relationship to the natural world…climate change is real,” he said. “It is happening right now. It is the most urgent threat facing our entire species and we need to work collectively together and stop procrastinating.”
The actor concluded his speech by saying, “I do not take this night for granted.”
“The Revenant” led in Oscar nominations this year with 12. Director Alejandro González Iñárritu also took home an award.
DiCaprio has already racked up tons of awards for the role in which he portrays the real-life frontiersman Hugh Glass, who was attacked by a bear then left in the wilderness, trekking approximately 200 miles to find the men who deserted him.
When DiCaprio’s nomination was announced in January, the actor was gracious.
“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.”
Previously, DiCaprio scored Oscar nominations for his roles in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” “The Aviator,” “Blood Diamond,” and “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Meanwhile Leo’s biggest fan and his Titanic co-star Kate Winset could not overcome her emotions with Leo’s win, as the teary star beamed with pride as he gave his speech
