Leonardo DiCaprio is a name synonymous with Hollywood excellence. From his breakout role in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape to his Academy Award-winning performance in The Revenant, DiCaprio has captivated audiences for decades. Yet, his influence extends far beyond the silver screen. A dedicated environmental activist, DiCaprio has used his fame and fortune to champion the cause of climate change, earning him respect not only as an actor but also as a global advocate for the planet. This article explores DiCaprio’s illustrious career, his evolution as an actor, and his relentless efforts to combat climate change.
Table of Contents
Full Name
Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio
Favorite Name
Leo, The Noodle
Profession
Actor, Film Producer. Screenwriter, Environmentalist, Philanthropist, TV Producer and Stage Actor.
Early Life
Born on November 11, 1974, in Los Angeles, California, Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was destined for stardom. Raised in a bohemian environment, his parents separated when he was just a year old, and young Leonardo lived with his mother. Despite the challenges of growing up in a rough neighborhood, DiCaprio showed an early interest in performing arts, encouraged by his mother, who recognized his potential. DiCaprio’s acting career began in television, with roles in commercials and small parts in shows like Growing Pains. However, his breakthrough came in 1993 when he was cast alongside Robert De Niro in This Boy’s Life. His portrayal of a troubled teenager in this critically acclaimed film showcased his raw talent and hinted at the greatness to come.
Physical Stats height approx
in feet inches- 6’1
in meters- 1.85 m
Weight approx
in pounds- 140 Ibs
in kilograms- 87kg
Career
Rise to Stardom: The 1990s
The 1990s were a defining decade for DiCaprio. After his role in This Boy’s Life, he starred in What’s Eating Gilbert Grape (1993), playing Arnie Grape, a developmentally disabled boy. His performance earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at just 19 years old. This role cemented his reputation as a serious actor, capable of delivering deeply emotional performances. DiCaprio’s next major success came with Romeo + Juliet (1996), Baz Luhrmann’s modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic love story. His portrayal of Romeo catapulted him to international fame, especially among younger audiences. The film’s success set the stage for what would become the biggest movie of his early career: Titanic. In 1997, DiCaprio starred as Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s Titanic. The film was a monumental success, becoming the highest-grossing film of all time at that point. DiCaprio’s chemistry with co-star Kate Winslet and his charismatic performance made him a global superstar. Despite being overlooked for an Academy Award nomination, DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jack Dawson became iconic, and the film solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s leading men.
Awards
Award
Wins
Nominations
AACTA Awards
2
4
Academy Awards
1
7
Alliance of Women Film Journalists
1
2
Austin Film Critics Association
1
3
Australian Film Critics Association
0
1
Berlin International Film Festival
1
1
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
2
2
Boston Society of Film Critics
3
3
British Academy Film Awards
1
6
Chicago Film Critics Association Award
2
4
Critics’ Choice Movie Awards
2
12
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association
1
6
Detroit Film Critics Society
0
3
Dorian Awards
1
3
Dublin Film Critics’ Circle
1
4
Empire Awards
0
4
Film Critics Circle of Australia
0
1
Golden Globe Awards
3
14
Golden Raspberry Awards
1
3
Hollywood Critics Association
0
4
Hollywood Film Awards
1
1
Irish Film & Television Academy
2
5
London Film Critics’ Circle
0
3
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
1
1
MTV Movie Awards
4
19
National Board of Review
4
4
National Society of Film Critics
1
1
New York Film Critics Circle
1
1
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
1
1
Online Film Critics Society
0
3
Palm Springs International Film Festival
1
1
People’s Choice Awards
1
6
Primetime Emmy Awards
0
1
Rembrandt Award
2
2
San Diego Film Critics Society
2
5
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
3
3
Satellite Awards
3
10
Saturn Awards
0
3
Scream Awards
1
2
Screen Actors Guild Awards
1
12
St. Louis Film Critics Association
1
4
Teen Choice Awards
3
10
Vancouver Film Critics Circle
0
2
Visual Effects Society
0
1
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association
1
6
Young Artist Awards
0
6
Totals
102
262
National International awards
The Transition: From Heartthrob to Serious Actor
After the overwhelming success of Titanic, DiCaprio could have easily continued down the path of romantic lead roles. However, he chose a different route, seeking out roles that would challenge him as an actor. In the early 2000s, DiCaprio began collaborating with some of the industry’s most respected directors, a move that would redefine his career. In 2002, DiCaprio starred in Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York, marking the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with the legendary director. The film was a critical and commercial success, and DiCaprio’s performance as Amsterdam Vallon, a young man seeking revenge in 19th-century New York, demonstrated his versatility and depth as an actor. This was followed by Catch Me If You Can (2002), directed by Steven Spielberg, where DiCaprio played Frank Abagnale Jr., a real-life con artist who deceived the FBI for years. The film was both a critical and commercial hit, showcasing DiCaprio’s ability to blend charm with complexity. DiCaprio’s collaborations with Scorsese continued with films like The Aviator (2004), where he portrayed the eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, earning him his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, and The Departed (2006), which was a box office hit and won the Academy Award for Best Picture. These roles solidified DiCaprio’s status as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
Award
Year
Category
Film/Project
Result
Academy Awards
1994
Best Supporting Actor
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Nominated
2005
Best Actor
The Aviator
Nominated
2007
Best Actor
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2014
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2014
Best Picture
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2016
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
2020
Best Actor
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
Alliance of Women Film Journalists
2010
Unforgettable Moment
Inception
Nominated
2016
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
Austin Film Critics Association Awards
2007
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
The Departed
Won
2016
Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role
The Revenant
Nominated
Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Awards
2011
Best International Lead Actor – Cinema
J. Edgar
Nominated
2013
Best International Lead Actor – Cinema
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2013
Best Lead Actor – Cinema
The Great Gatsby
Won
2016
Best International Lead Actor – Cinema
The Revenant
Won
Australian Film Critics Association
2014
Best Actor
The Great Gatsby
Nominated
British Academy Film Awards
2005
Best Film Actor in a Leading Role
The Aviator
Nominated
2007
Best Film Actor in a Leading Role
The Departed
Nominated
2014
Best Film Actor in a Leading Role
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2016
Best Film Actor in a Leading Role
The Revenant
Won
2020
Best Film Actor in a Leading Role
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2022
Best Film Actor in a Leading Role
Don’t Look Up
Nominated
Berlin Film Festival
1997
Silver Bear Award for Best Actor
Romeo + Juliet
Won
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards
1997
Favorite Actor – Romance
Romeo + Juliet
Won
1998
Favorite Actor – Drama
Titanic
Won
Boston Society of Film Critics
2006
Best Ensemble Cast
The Departed
Runner-up
2013
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Runner-up
2015
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
Chicago Film Critics Association
1993
Best Emerging Actor
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Won
2006
Best Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2012
Best Supporting Actor
Django Unchained
Nominated
2015
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
2023
Best Actor
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Critics’ Choice Awards
2005
Best Movie Actor
The Aviator
Nominated
2007
Best Movie Actor
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2007
Best Movie Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2007
Best Movie Cast
The Departed
Nominated
2012
Best Movie Actor
J. Edgar
Nominated
2014
Best Comedy Movie Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Won
2016
Best Movie Actor
The Revenant
Won
2020
Best Movie Actor
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2020
Best Movie Cast
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2022
Best Movie Actor
Don’t Look Up
Nominated
2024
Best Movie Actor
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association
2004
Best Actor
The Aviator
Nominated
2006
Best Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2006
Best Actor
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2013
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2015
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
2019
Best Actor
Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood
Nominated
2023
Best Actor
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Detroit Film Critics Society
2008
Best Actor
Revolutionary Road
Nominated
2013
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2015
Best Actor
The Revenant
Nominated
2019
Best Ensemble
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Won
Dorian Awards
2012
Film Performance of the Year—Actor
J. Edgar
Nominated
2014
Film Performance of the Year—Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2015
Film Performance of the Year—Actor
The Revenant
Won
Dublin Film Critics’ Circle
2006
Best Actor
The Departed
Won
2013
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
Empire Awards
2007
Best Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2011
Best Actor
Inception
Nominated
2014
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2016
Best Actor
The Revenant
Nominated
Film Critics Circle of Australia
2013
Best Actor
The Great Gatsby
Nominated
Golden Globe Awards
1994
Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Nominated
1998
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Titanic
Nominated
2003
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Catch Me If You Can
Nominated
2005
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
The Aviator
Won
2007
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
The Departed
Nominated
2007
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2009
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Revolutionary Road
Nominated
2012
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
J. Edgar
Nominated
2013
Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture
Django Unchained
Nominated
2014
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
The Wolf of Wall Street
Won
2016
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
The Revenant
Won
2020
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2022
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Don’t Look Up
Nominated
2024
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Golden Raspberry Awards
1999
Worst Screen Couple
The Man in the Iron Mask
Won
2001
Worst Actor
The Beach
Nominated
2019
Worst Picture
Robin Hood
Nominated
Hollywood Critics Association Awards
2020
Best Cast
Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
Nominated
2020
Best Leading Actor
Once Upon a Time In… Hollywood
Nominated
2022
Best Cast
Don’t Look Up
Nominated
2024
Best Actor
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Hollywood Film Awards
2004
Best Actor of the Year
The Aviator
Won
Irish Film & Television Academy
2007
Best International Film Actor of the Year
The Departed
Won
2011
Best International Film Actor of the Year
Inception
Nominated
2012
Best International Film Actor of the Year
J. Edgar
Nominated
2014
Best International Film Actor of the Year
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2016
Best International Film Actor of the Year
The Revenant
Won
London Film Critics Circle
2005
Actor of the Year
The Aviator
Nominated
2014
Actor of the Year
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2016
Actor of the Year
The Revenant
Nominated
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
1993
New Generation Award
This Boy’s Life and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Won
MTV Movie & TV Awards
1997
Best Kiss in a Movie
Romeo + Juliet
Nominated
1997
Best On-Screen Duo or Team in a Movie
Romeo + Juliet
Nominated
1997
Best Performance in a Movie
Romeo + Juliet
Nominated
1998
Best Kiss in a Movie
Titanic
Nominated
1998
Best Performance in a Movie
Titanic
Won
1998
Best On-Screen Duo or Team in a Movie
Titanic
Nominated
2003
Best Kiss
Gangs of New York
Nominated
2003
Best Performance in a Movie
Catch Me If You Can
Nominated
2005
Best Performance in a Movie
The Aviator
Won
2011
Best Jaw Dropping Moment in a Movie
Inception
Nominated
2013
Best Villain in a Movie
Django Unchained
Nominated
2013
Best On-Screen Duo or Team in a Movie
Django Unchained
Nominated
2014
Best WTF Moment in a Movie
The Wolf of Wall Street
Won
2016
Best Performance in a Movie
The Revenant
Won
2016
Best Fight in a Movie
The Revenant
Nominated
National Board of Review of Motion Pictures Awards
1994
Best Supporting Actor
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Won
2007
Best Cast
The Departed
Won
2013
Best Supporting Actor
Django Unchained
Won
2014
Career Collaboration Award
Leonardo DiCaprio
Won
National Society of Film Critics
1994
Best Supporting Actor
What’s Eating Gilbert Grape
Runner-up
New York Film Critics Circle
1994
Best Supporting Actor
Runner-up
Runner-up
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards
2009
Big Green Help Award
Leonardo DiCaprio
Won
Online Film Critics Society Awards
2005
Best Lead Actor
The Aviator
Nominated
2007
Best Lead Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2015
Best Lead Actor
The Revenant
Nominated
Palm Springs International Film Festival
2009
Best Ensemble Cast
Revolutionary Road
Won
2024
Vanguard Award
Killers of the Flower Moon
Awarded
People’s Choice Awards
2007
Favorite On-Screen Match-Up
The Departed
Nominated
2007
Favorite Star Under 35
Leonardo DiCaprio
Nominated
2011
Favorite On-Screen Team
Inception
Nominated
2011
Favorite Movie Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio
Nominated
2014
Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor
The Great Gatsby
Won
2014
Favorite Movie Actor
Leonardo DiCaprio
Nominated
2019
Favorite Drama Movie Star
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2024
Drama Movie Star of the Year
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
2024
Male Movie Star of the Year
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Primetime Emmy Awards
2014
Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
Virunga
Nominated
Rembrandt Awards
2014
Beste Buitenlandse Acteur
The Great Gatsby
Won
San Diego Film Critics Society
2012
Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast
Django Unchained
Nominated
2015
Best Performance by an Actor
The Revenant
Won
2019
Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2021
Best Performance by an Ensemble Cast
Don’t Look Up
Won
2021
Best Comedic Performance
Don’t Look Up
Nominated
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
2013
American Riviera Award
Leonardo DiCaprio
Won
2014
Cinema Vanguard Award
Leonardo DiCaprio
Won
Satellite Awards
1998
Best Actor in a Film
Titanic
Nominated
2006
Best Actor in a Film
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2006
Best Supporting Actor in a Film
The Departed
Won
2006
Best Cast in a Film
The Departed
Won
2008
Best Actor in a Film
Revolutionary Road
Nominated
2010
Best Actor in a Film
Inception
Nominated
2011
Best Actor in a Film
J. Edgar
Nominated
2014
Best Actor in a Film
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2016
Best Actor in a Film
The Revenant
Won
2020
Best Actor in a Film
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2024
Best Actor in a Film
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Saturn Awards
2011
Best Film Actor
Shutter Island
Nominated
2011
Best Film Actor
Inception
Nominated
2015
Best Film Actor
The Revenant
Nominated
Scream Awards
2010
Best Actor in a Science Fiction Movie
Inception
Won
2010
Best Actor in a Horror Movie
Shutter Island
Nominated
Screen Actors Guild Awards
1997
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Marvin’s Room
Nominated
1998
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Titanic
Nominated
2005
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
The Aviator
Nominated
2005
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The Aviator
Nominated
2007
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2007
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
The Departed
Nominated
2007
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role
The Departed
Nominated
2012
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
J. Edgar
Nominated
2016
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
The Revenant
Won
2020
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2020
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2022
Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role
Don’t Look Up
Nominated
2023
Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association
2007
Best Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2007
Best Actor
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2008
Best Actor
Revolutionary Road
Nominated
2015
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
2023
Best Actor
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
2023
Best Ensemble
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Teen Choice Awards
1999
Film – Choice Hissy Fit
Celebrity
Nominated
2000
Film – Choice Actor
The Beach
Nominated
2000
Film – Choice Chemistry
The Beach
Nominated
2003
Choice Movie Liplock
Gangs of New York
Nominated
2003
Choice Movie Liar
Catch Me If You Can
Won
2005
Choice Movie Actor: Drama
The Aviator
Nominated
2007
Choice Movie Actor: Drama
The Departed
Nominated
2007
Choice Movie Actor: Drama
Blood Diamond
Nominated
2010
Choice Movie Actor: Horror/Thriller
Shutter Island
Won
2013
Choice Movie Actor: Drama
The Great Gatsby
Nominated
2016
Choice Movie Actor: Drama
The Revenant
Won
Vancouver Film Critics Circle
2006
Best Performance by a Lead Actor
The Departed
Nominated
2015
Best Performance by a Lead Actor
The Revenant
Nominated
Visual Effects Society
2005
Outstanding Performance by an Actor or Actress in a Visual Effects Film
The Aviator
Nominated
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association
2004
Best Actor
The Aviator
Nominated
2008
Best Ensemble
Revolutionary Road
Nominated
2012
Best Supporting Actor
Django Unchained
Nominated
2013
Best Actor
The Wolf of Wall Street
Nominated
2015
Best Actor
The Revenant
Won
2019
Best Actor
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2019
Best Ensemble
Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Nominated
2023
Best Actor
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
2023
Best Ensemble
Killers of the Flower Moon
Nominated
Young Artist Awards
1991
Best Young Actor in a Daytime Series
Santa Barbara
Nominated
1991
Best Young Actor Starring in a New Television Series
Parenthood
Nominated
1992
Best Young Actor Co-starring in a Television Series
Growing Pains
Nominated
Young Hollywood Awards
2008
Male Superstar of Tomorrow
Leonardo DiCaprio
Won
Environmental Activism
While DiCaprio’s acting career has been extraordinary, his contributions to environmental activism are equally impressive. DiCaprio’s commitment to the environment began in the late 1990s when he established the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) in 1998. The foundation focuses on global conservation efforts, climate change, and indigenous rights. Through the LDF, DiCaprio has funded hundreds of projects around the world, aimed at protecting vulnerable ecosystems and promoting renewable energy. DiCaprio has used his platform to raise awareness about climate change, speaking at global forums such as the United Nations and the World Economic Forum. In 2014, he was appointed as a United Nations Messenger of Peace, with a focus on climate change. His documentary, Before the Flood (2016), directed by Fisher Stevens, highlighted the devastating effects of climate change and urged viewers to take action. In addition to his foundation and public speaking, DiCaprio has also made significant contributions to environmental causes through his personal investments. He has invested in sustainable companies and has been an advocate for plant-based diets, recognizing the environmental impact of animal agriculture.
