10 Times Leonardo DiCaprio Has Pretended to Be Chill About His 2016 Oscar Odds

He really likes to remind you that it's beyond his control and all that.

21 March, 2018
10 Times Leonardo DiCaprio Has Pretended to Be Chill About His 2016 Oscar Odds

Leonardo DiCaprio fans around the world may get to finally breathe that sigh of relief Sunday if Leo's name is indeed called for the Best Actor prize at the Academy Awards. If it happens, all the memes would have been worth it, and he can find himself as a trending topic (and chuckle about it) again. It's been a long and successful awards season for Leo so far, with the addition of a new Golden Globe, SAG, and BAFTA. Along the way, he's had a hard time escaping the Oscar question in interviews. Do you think you'll get an Oscar? How does it feel to be nominated? Will you share it with Russian Leo and your other doppelgangers? Will Kate get to keep it in her bathroom? Here's what Leo has been saying about his casual quest for Oscar:

1. "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. None of this would have been possible without Alejandro [González Iñárritu]'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." —in an official statement following nomination announcement, Jan. 14, 2016

2. "It does feel great. Especially when you've worked on something for this long a period of time. I keep saying to people, this was almost like going on a grand voyage together with a crew. It was unlike any other filmmaking experience I've had. To see all their efforts and work connecting with the Academy and our community, it does feel great." —to reporters at The Revenant London premiere, Jan. 14, 2016

3. "These things are … beyond your control. It's in other people's hands now." —in an interview with the Todayshow, Jan. 8, 2016

4. "I think anyone appreciate these types of things, for sure, of course — you know, to be recognized by your peers. I know it's a cliché, but the truth is it's ultimately not why you do these films. You do them because if you love the art form — and cinema to me is the great modern art form — you can look back one day and say, 'I did that piece of work, and I gave it everything I could while I was there.' And if you have enough of those later on in life, you're a happy artist." —in an interview with the Today​ show, Jan. 8, 2016

5. "Sure, everyone likes to be recognized, but that's out of my hands — other people control these things. I will say it would help the film, bring it to more people." —in an interview with Rolling Stone, Jan. 28, 2016 issue

6. "I remember being really paranoid about ever having to go up in front of a billion people. I didn't quite have the concept that if you ever gave a speech at the Oscars, like, a billion people are watching you. So, as soon as I heard that, I remember saying, 'I really don't want to have a speech even prepared, 'cause I don't want to go up there.'" —in an interview with Entertainment Tonight about receiving his first Oscar nomination at 19 years old for What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Feb. 22, 2016

7. "We'll see. That's all beyond our control at this point." —in an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Feb. 22, 2016

8. "Honestly? It's never, ever what I'm thinking about when I'm making movies. There's nothing I've done for the specific reason of getting an award. Every single time you just go in there trying to bat a thousand, trying to give it your all." —in an interview with Time Out London, Jan. 11, 2016

9. "The truth of the matter is that I've been in situations before where I've thought films or performances, either mine or others, should be either nominated more or adored by the public, or critics revere it more. But it's beyond your control." —in an interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Jan. 17, 2016

10. "Knowing that I did a movie that took this much of my life, that we devoted this much to as far as focus is concerned, we gave it everything we possibly could. To sit here looking at receiving that many nominations for this film, it not only feels good but it also feels like people have a yearning to see a different type of film." — in an interview with the BBC's Andrew Marr Show, Jan. 17, 2016

Bonus: Near the end of a feature on the actor from The Telegraph (Jan. 9, 2016), readers are left with this wonderful scene involving the reporter, Tom Hardy, and Leo:

Which brings us to the question of that elusive Oscar. Surely — surely — this year will be DiCaprio's year. What more — one can't help but wonder, watching every skin-peeling moment in The Revenant ​ — can one man do to get the recognition he deserves? "Seriously, if I were you, I really wouldn't ask him that question," advises Hardy."One last question," instructs the clipboard-wielder who has been hovering in the doorway for the past five minutes of our interview. DiCaprio takes a long drag on his e-cigarette and fixes me with those eyes, almost daring me to ask. When I don't, he laughs. A big, relieved laugh, and stands up to warmly shake my hand. Leonardo DiCaprio: You might think you know him, but you almost certainly don't. 

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Credit: Cosmopolitan
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