In my humble opinion, Leonardo DiCaprio is an exceptional actor who has graced our screens with a plethora of unforgettable performances throughout his illustrious career. From his raw and rugged portrayal of Jack Dawson in Titanic to his gripping role as Rick Dalton in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, DiCaprio has demonstrated an incredible range that few actors can match.
Known as one of the finest actors of his era, Academy Award laureate Leonardo DiCaprio has consistently left an indelible impact in Hollywood and contemporary filmmaking. Over nearly three decades, he’s created iconic characters and breathtaking performances that have enthralled global audiences and accumulated box office revenues exceeding $6.5 billion. His achievements rank him among the top 10 highest-grossing leading actors ever, demonstrating his broad appeal and adaptability.
In honor of Leonardo DiCaprio’s birthday on November 11th, EbMaster compiles a list ranking his top 21 memorable movie roles from his career to date.
Leo DiCaprio is recognized for frequently working with some of the most impactful directors in cinema, each contributing uniquely to film history. He has teamed up with Steven Spielberg, Quentin Tarantino, Clint Eastwood, Baz Luhrmann and Martin Scorsese on multiple occasions. Notably, Scorsese has directed DiCaprio in numerous films that have received critical acclaim.
Currently, as we stand in 2023, Leonardo DiCaprio has been part of a remarkable 10 movies that have been nominated for the prestigious Best Picture award at the Academy Awards. This impressive tally ties him with Cate Blanchett and Jack Nicholson, positioning them both in second place when it comes to appearing in films nominated for the Best Picture category. Interestingly, the record holder is none other than his “Killers of the Flower Moon” co-star, Robert De Niro, who has managed to secure a spot in 11 such movies.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to leave significant footprints on the red carpet. My first taste of an Oscar nomination came in 1993, when I embodied Arnie, a complex teenager with mental disabilities, in Lasse Hallström’s “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” Although my performance was praised by critics, it would take another 11 years before I found myself back on the Oscars stage. During that time, I poured my heart into roles such as Jack Dawson in James Cameron’s blockbuster hit, “Titanic” (1997), a film that not only broke box-office records but solidified my status as a global sensation. In “Catch Me If You Can” (2002), directed by Steven Spielberg, I played Frank Abagnale Jr., a captivating con artist, further demonstrating the breadth of my acting abilities.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s second attempt at winning an Oscar came through Martin Scorsese’s “The Aviator” (2004), where he played the ambitious and quirky billionaire Howard Hughes. This film, nominated for Best Picture, also brought DiCaprio a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in the Drama category. After this impressive performance, he took on roles as a diamond smuggler in South Africa in Edward Zwick’s “Blood Diamond” (2006) and as an undercover police officer in Scorsese’s “The Departed” (2006), which won Best Picture.
2013 saw Leonardo DiCaprio garner his initial Oscar nomination as a producer for “The Wolf of Wall Street”, simultaneously earning a nomination for best actor. His depiction of Jordan Belfort, the self-indulgent stockbroker, made him one of the rare actors to be nominated in both acting and producing roles within the same year. This film, a scathing critique of Wall Street extravagance, was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, reinforcing DiCaprio’s status as a powerful figure, both behind and in front of the camera.
After a long wait, Leo DiCaprio’s first Oscar win came with his performance as frontiersman Hugh Glass in Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s “The Revenant” (2015). The demanding role, which required DiCaprio to face extreme physical hardships, led to three Oscars: Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Cinematography for Emmanuel Lubezki. Later, he reappeared as the fading TV star Rick Dalton in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood” (2019). His portrayal of Dalton, an actor struggling with his declining fame, earned DiCaprio another nomination.
DiCaprio’s career is richly textured with intricate roles that breathe life into them. Be it through partnerships with renowned filmmakers or delving deeper into his acting abilities, he continues to be one of the longest-lasting and impactful stars in Hollywood.
Below, you’ll find a rundown of his top-notch acting accomplishments, accompanied by video clips showcasing the pivotal moments in each movie. Enjoy!
Notable mentions include: “Body of Lies” (released in 2008), “The Quick and the Dead” (from 1995), “The Man in the Iron Mask” (1998), “The Beach” (2000), and “J. Edgar” (2011).
‘Gangs of New York’ (2002)
Role: Amsterdam Vallon
Originally Released by: Miramax Productions
Helmed by: Martin Scorsese
Scripted by: Jay Cocks, Steven Zaillian, and Kenneth Lonergan
The scene that proves it: “This is a kill.”
In 19th-century New York City, DiCaprio portrays a young man yearning for vengeance against a dominant gang leader. His performance is filled with emotional depth and intensity, showcasing his character’s inner turmoil. This role marked a notable shift from DiCaprio’s previous acting work. Despite the change, he skillfully matches wits with Daniel Day-Lewis, who was nominated for an Oscar for his portrayal of Bill the Butcher.
‘The Great Gatsby’ (2013)
Role: James Gatz / Jay Gatsby
Distributed By: Warner Brothers
The scene that proves it: “A fit of rage.”
In some circles, Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless tale has drawn mixed reactions. Yet, one aspect that garners universal acclaim is Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic and charming millionaire who throws lavish parties and is hopelessly in love with Daisy Buchanan, played by Carey Mulligan. DiCaprio skillfully captures Gatsby’s yearning for a past love and his unwavering pursuit of the American Dream, making the tale of lost dreams and tragedy feel contemporary.
‘Marvin’s Room’ (1996)
Role: Hank
The movie is distributed by: Miramax Productions, directed by: Jerry Zaks, and scripted by: Scott McPherson, who adapted the screenplay from his own play titled “Marvin’s Room.
The scene that proves it:
In this role, Leonardo DiCaprio portrays Hank, a troubled teenager with a rebellious streak, who was institutionalized due to arson at his own mother’s house. He takes on a challenging and emotionally intense character. Remarkably, he matches the acting prowess of screen legends Meryl Streep, playing his chain-smoking mom, and Diane Keaton, portraying his ailing aunt suffering from leukemia.
At the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the ensemble cast – which comprised of stars like Hume Cronyn, Robert De Niro, Dan Hedaya and Gwen Verdon – was up for the best cast award (however, they lost to “The Birdcage”). This incredible group of actors collectively raised the bar for each other, contributing to one of the most poignant tear-jerkers from the 90s.
‘The Basketball Diaries’ (1995)
Role: Jim Carroll
Distributed by: New Line Cinema
Directed by: Scott Kalvert
Written by: Bryan Goluboff
The scene that proves it: “Mom, can you give me some money please?”
From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, as a high school basketball player grappling with drug addiction, I found myself immersed in Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of a troubled youth, seething with unspoken anger. His performance beautifully complemented that of Mark Wahlberg as his friend Mickey and Lorraine Bracco as his heart-wrenching mother. Despite some noticeable flaws in the script, he skillfully maneuvered around them, making the movie an engaging watch.
‘The Aviator’ (2004)
Role: Howard Hughes
Distributed by: Released under the Warner Bros label
Directed by: Martin Scorsese is the film’s director
Written by: John Logan wrote the screenplay based on the book “Howard Hughes: The Secret Life” by Charles Higham.
The scene that proves it: “Come in with the milk.”
Acting as billionaire Howard Hughes was a suitable challenge for Leonardo DiCaprio, despite the audience needing to stretch their imagination to see him as a 40-year-old (he was only in his late twenties during filming). Instead, he chose to collaborate once more with renowned director Martin Scorsese, who had previously worked on “Gangs of New York” (2002), for an epic production. Together, they aimed to portray the life of the aviation pioneer over a span of 20 years, during which his obsessive-compulsive disorder became more pronounced. This role was instrumental in putting him on the path towards an Academy Award, earning his first lead actor nomination, and the film itself received a total of 13 nominations, including Scorsese’s first of many unexpected supporting actor nods for Alan Alda.
‘Don’t Look Up’ (2021)
Role: Dr. Randall Mindy
Distributed by: Netflix
Directed by: Adam McKay
Written by: Adam McKay, David Sirota
The scene that proves it: “What have we done to ourselves?”
Leonardo DiCaprio tackles a cause close to his personal beliefs (climate crisis), presenting it in a unique fashion unlike any other characters he’s played. In the role of Dr. Randall Mindy, an astronomer, he displays both dramatic and comedic flair as he and his coworker Kate Dibiasky (bravely portrayed by Jennifer Lawrence) struggle to warn the world about its impending destruction. DiCaprio’s performance shines particularly in the film’s more humorous moments, while his interaction with Brie Evantee (skilfully played by Cate Blanchett) is one of the movie’s highlights amidst a generally grim portrayal of our potential future (which could change if we act differently).
‘Inception’ (2010)
Role: Dom Cobb
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Directed by: Christopher Nolan
Written by: Christopher Nolan
The scene that proves it: “James and Phillipa!”
Beneath the dominance of a blockbuster powerhouse, Leonardo DiCaprio navigates Christopher Nolan’s film, adding depth and sentiment to scenes not focused on tumbling chambers or white vans. Marion Cotillard’s performance, worthy of awards, greatly enhances this film. Additionally, it marks his third character in a series often referred to online as the “Widowers Club” (following “Revolutionary Road” and “Shutter Island”).
‘Shutter Island’ (2010)
Role: Edward “Teddy” Daniels / Andrew Laeddis
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: Laeta Kalogridis
The scene that proves it: “Live as a monster or die as a good man”
Teddy Daniels is a complex man, and DiCaprio rides multiple waves of inquisition and emotion in Martin Scorsese’s underrated thriller. Likely due to an early February release, the film went unnoticed in categories like production design and sound mixing. Still, none were as egregious as DiCaprio’s overlooked work, demonstrating masterclass sparring with co-stars Ben Kingsley and Michelle Williams. It comes together splendidly with his question to Mark Ruffalo’s Chuck following the film’s big reveal: “Do you live as a monster or die as a good man?”
‘Blood Diamond’ (2006)
Role: Danny Archer
Distributed by: Warner Bros
Directed by: Edward Zwick
Written by: Charles Leavitt
The scene that proves it: “This is Africa.”
In the action-thriller directed by Edward Zwick, Leo portrays a character with a striking accent that initially earned him comparisons to Meryl Streep. Despite some script issues, Leonardo DiCaprio, along with the exceptional, Oscar-nominated Djimon Hounsou, significantly enhances the movie’s quality.
‘Django Unchained’ (2012)
Role: Calvin Candie
Originally Released by: The Weinstein Company and Sony Pictures
The scene that proves it: “You had my curiosity, not you have my attention.”
In one of his boldest performances, Leonardo DiCaprio made his debut with Quentin Tarantino as a sophisticated yet chilling villain, a part that garnered him a Golden Globe nomination. Some believe that DiCaprio was unfairly overlooked by the Academy due to category confusion, as his co-star and eventual winner, Christoph Waltz, campaigned for a supporting role instead of a leading one. However, DiCaprio masterfully portrays the embodiment of Southern arrogance and evil during the era of slavery, taking on a grotesque character who ultimately receives exactly what he deserves.
Titanic (1997)
Role: Jack Dawson
Produced by: Paramount Pictures/20th Century Fox (later known as 20th Century Studios)
Directed by: James Cameron
Scripted by: James Cameron
The decisive evidence: “Currently, my location is the RMS Titanic; afterwards, I’ll be under God’s protection.
The part that catapulted him to stardom was playing in the movie “Titanic,” which became the highest-grossing film ever (in 1997) and was the second film to win 11 Oscars, including best picture. Regrettably, his captivating personality and undeniable good looks did not persuade the Academy to nominate him for best actor that year. However, he eventually received the recognition he deserved more than two decades later.
‘Revolutionary Road’ (2008)
Role: Frank Wheeler
Distributed by: DreamWorks Pictures
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Written by: Justin Haythe
The scene that proves it: “Shell of a Woman”
In the realm of cinema, I recently witnessed a captivating portrayal of a 1950s suburban marriage, as masterfully crafted by Sam Mendes. This film, devoid of conventional romanticism, offered a tantalizing glimpse into what Jack and Rose’s life together might have been like, had they shared the floating door.
‘Catch Me If You Can’ (2002)
Role: Frank Abagnale
Distributed by: DreamWorks Pictures
Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Written by: Jeff Nathanson
The scene that proves it: Getting caught in France
In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Leo’s youthful appearance may have held him back from being taken seriously as a leading man. However, his portrayal of Frank Abagnale Jr. in Steven Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can” showed that he was maturing and had valuable talents to offer the acting world. His performance opposite Tom Hanks and Christopher Walken was impressive, particularly in the capture-in-France scene where he gave a powerful performance. Unfortunately, he was only nominated for a Golden Globe for best actor (drama).
‘What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?’ (1993)
Role: Arnold “Arnie” Grape
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Directed by: Lasse Hallström
Written by: Peter Hedges
The scene that proves it: “Dad’s dead.”
In a career spanning many years, Leonardo DiCaprio’s standout performance in Lasse Hallström’s film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” was the one that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This lineup of actors is considered by some as one of the best in Academy history, and DiCaprio’s portrayal of an intellectually disabled character named Arnie Grape has not aged poorly with time.
‘This Boy’s Life’ (1993)
Role: Tobias Wolff
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Directed by: Michael Caton-Jones
Written by: Robert Getchell
The scene that proves it: “Is it empty?”
In my opinion, among Leonardo DiCaprio’s impressive filmography, “This Boy’s Life,” directed by Michael Caton-Jones, stands out as a performance that didn’t get the recognition it deserved. Playing Tobias Wolff, DiCaprio portrayed his teenage years amidst abuse and a quest for self-discovery. Not only was this role underappreciated for DiCaprio himself, but it also featured outstanding performances from Robert DeNiro and Ellen Barkin, who were unfortunately overlooked by the Academy.
‘William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet’ (1996)
Role: Romeo
The movie is distributed by 20th Century Studios (formerly known as 20th Century Fox), and it’s directed by the talented Baz Luhrmann. The screenplay was penned by Craig Pearce and Laz Luhrmann.
The scene that proves it: “Sin from my lips?”
The 1990s film adaptation of Baz Luhrmann’s “William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet,” a contemporary interpretation of the timeless play, is often overlooked but incredibly vibrant. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Romeo shines brilliantly at every moment, demonstrating one of his most passionate performances in his career. Although the Academy snubbed his acting, they recognized the film’s exceptional art direction. The on-screen chemistry between DiCaprio and Claire Danes was remarkable, with Danes deserving more recognition (a nod to the MTV Movie Awards for acknowledging this). The song “Kissing You” by Des’ree is forever etched in my memory due to their captivating performances. With just a two-sided aquarium, I’d be ready to reenact scenes from this iconic movie.
‘The Revenant’ (2015)
Role: Hugh Glass
Distributed By: Currently known as 20th Century Studios
Directed By: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Written By: Mark L. Smith and Alejandro González Iñárritu (Co-Writers)
The scene that proves it: Bear attack.
The intense and gripping portrayal of Hugh Glass’ journey post-bear attack, as shown in “The Revenant,” is one of DiCaprio’s bravest performances. Gritty and brutal, his physical embodiment of revenge is equally remarkable as his emotional portrayal, seamlessly complementing Tom Hardy’s critically acclaimed acting. Add to that the masterful direction of Alejandro G. Iñárritu and the exceptional cinematography by Emmanuel Lubezki, and it’s no surprise that DiCaprio finally won his well-deserved Oscar. His dedication, particularly in filming a scene where he had to crawl into a dead animal carcass, truly deserves recognition. Kudos to him for that.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ (2023)
Role: Ernest Burkhart
This film is a collaborative production between Apple Original Films and Paramount Pictures.
The scene that proves it: “Insulin” and “Front of the Head”
Leonardo DiCaprio hasn’t portrayed a character quite as reprehensible and unsavory as Ernest Burkhart – the spouse of a Native American woman, who is implicated in the killing of numerous members from the Osage tribe.
Superficially, DiCaprio portrays the foolishness of a character who is not smart enough for true guile. However, he also expresses the agony and remorse that we might assume the real-life individual experienced during his heinous actions. This performance stands out as one of his most unexpected in acting, and perhaps signals more such performances to come in his future career.
In this movie, it’s the third instance where he appears alongside Robert DeNiro on-screen, following “This Boy’s Life” (1993) and “Marvin’s Room” (1996). Their chemistry is electric. However, his scenes with the remarkable Lily Gladstone portraying his character’s wife Mollie leave viewers utterly captivated. His twisted portrayal of a husband offers audiences a range of intense emotions to experience.
Mark Ulano, who is known for winning an Oscar for his work on film sound mixing and often works alongside Quentin Tarantino, highly commended Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal at a DGA screening. He remarked that DiCaprio immerses himself completely into the character he plays, demonstrating a remarkable act of acting brilliance.
‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ (2013)
Role: Jordan Belfort
Distributed by: Credited to Paramount Pictures
Directed by: Martin Scorsese takes the helm
Written by: Terence Winter, inspired by “The Wolf of Wall Street” by Jordan Belfort
The scene that proves it: “Quaaludes“
Leonardo DiCaprio has frequently collaborated with renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, but it’s his portrayal of Jordan Belfort’s period of extravagance, corruption, and drug abuse that truly leaves audiences astounded. With a hefty three-hour running time, the actor delivers memorable moments such as his lengthy speeches to his entire staff, his dramatic transformation to Margot Robbie’s “no more panties” scene, and a side-splitting attempt to crawl to his car following an unexpected reaction to quaaludes.
Despite the movie premiering close to the wire, missing the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) award submission deadline, he still managed to secure an Oscar nomination. However, his nod went to Matthew McConaughey’s performance in “Dallas Buyers Club” instead.
This film offers a hilarious critique of a character based on reality, who’s notoriously unpleasant but manages to find redemption in the end. Despite his offensive actions, he keeps us entertained and eager to join him on his journey – that’s the enchantment of cinema.
‘The Departed’ (2006)
Role: Billy Costigan
Distributed by: Warner Bros.
Directed by: Martin Scorsese
Written by: William Monahan
The scene that proves it: “Two pills?”
In 2006, Leonardo DiCaprio gave two exceptional performances, one in Edward Zwick’s “Blood Diamond” and another in Martin Scorsese’s Oscar-winning film “The Departed”. These performances earned him nominations for Best Actor (Drama) at the Golden Globes and Best Supporting Actor at the SAG Awards. However, a rule that prohibits double nominations in the same category and some campaign confusion resulted in his overlooked recognition. Instead, his co-star Mark Wahlberg was singled out. It’s worth noting that if the Academy were to change this rule, DiCaprio might have been recognized for both roles.
In his undercover role in the film directed by Scorsese, Billy Costigan didn’t find a clear pattern of awards recognition. If he had been nominated for that movie, he might have posed a strong challenge to Forest Whitaker for “The Last King of Scotland.” For those who view the crime drama as an ensemble piece, he could also have contended against Alan Arkin, who won over Eddie Murphy in “Little Miss Sunshine.
The film that ultimately convinced the industry of DiCaprio’s maturity, it would have been an impressive debut for his first Academy Award.
‘Once Upon a Time in…Hollywood’ (2019)
Role: Rick Dalton
Distributed by: Sony Pictures
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino
Written by: Quentin Tarantino
The scene that proves it: “Rick Fucking Dalton.”
In this film, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an outstanding performance as Rick Dalton in Tarantino’s portrayal of classic Los Angeles. His acting prowess, combined with his infectious humor and charm, has left many believing that this is his best work to date. The chemistry he shares with co-star Brad Pitt is undeniable, and it could be argued that if DiCaprio hadn’t won the Best Actor award in 2016 for “The Revenant,” he might have outshone Joaquin Phoenix’s powerful portrayal in “Joker.” The flamethrower he wields in this movie looks incredibly cool, but it’s DiCaprio’s vulnerability that truly steals the show. This vulnerability was perhaps a newfound connection or fear of his own career fading, or simply exceptional acting that we won’t easily forget. It might be a combination of both.
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2024-11-11 23:20