After five nominations between four movies in three different categories and still no Oscar, never mind all of his roles that he should have been nominated for and wasn’t, Leonardo DiCaprio not winning an Academy Award has become a cliché. But this year might just be his year. His latest offering, The Revenant, has lit up the box office and, more importantly, has critics all abuzz.
The Revenant did well at the Golden Globes, winning Best Motion Picture (Drama), Best Director and yes, DiCaprio got it for Best Motion Picture Actor (Drama). It’s always been thought that the Golden Globes have been indicative of how the Academy Awards will go, even though there can be some surprises. We don’t have the official list of Academy Award nominations yet, but if DiCaprio isn’t there I’ll be very surprised. If he does miss out this year, I just hope that they don’t end up giving him a pity Oscar in a few years’ time, or a lifetime achievement award. That would just be insulting.
But let’s hear what you think. Will this be the year that we can finally end the jokes about DiCaprio’s Oscar-less state, or do you think his chances are about as likely as Half Life 3? Either way, are you planning on watching The Revenant when it opens in two weeks time?
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Critical Hit as an organisation.
Last Updated: January 13, 2016
Kromas untamed
January 13, 2016 at 10:43
Best actor may just go to Matt Damon for the Martian in my opinion.
Kervyn Cloete
January 13, 2016 at 11:09
Yeah, it’s going to be a close race. Damon was more charismatic, but DiCaprio put in the more grueling work.
Kromas untamed
January 13, 2016 at 11:13
True but then again according to the globes The Martian was a comedy and comedies rarely win Oscars.
Still have no idea how The Martian is a comedy but oh well.
Tracy Benson
January 13, 2016 at 11:28
It qualified as a “Comedy or Musical” because it wasn’t a “Drama”. Basically, they have “Drama” and “Everything Else”
James Francis
January 13, 2016 at 11:38
One theory is that by putting The Martian into that bracket it was pretty much assured of winning a Globe.
Andre116
January 13, 2016 at 13:11
I also read that the studio did not want The Martian running against some of it’s other films, so they pushed for it to be nominated as a comedy.
James Francis
January 13, 2016 at 11:35
I’d be disappointed if Damon won. He didn’t have to stretch himself at all for The Martian. In fact, the movie totally glossed over the problem that being isolated for that long will start eroding one’s mind. that was Moon’s angle, only it kinda overbaked the concept.
The Martian is a fun experience, but it’s hardly a good movie. No conflict, no tension, no twist – nothing. They could have made it with CG characters and it would still have been that good.
Kromas untamed
January 13, 2016 at 11:40
Wow. I feel like you just insulted a rather large group of people who thought the movie was rather brilliant. The main premise of the movie may have not been OTT but it was still extremely well directed and Matt Damon gave an exceptional performance. Then again it is just me for thinking that twists don’t make movies great but rather execution. Hell The Martian is the movie that restored my faith slightly for the Alien franchise.
James Francis
January 13, 2016 at 11:51
And I’m sure many of us have insulted Twilight fans by berating those movies. The point is that Damon plays a monotone character with zero development. He is perpetually glass half full and whenever there is a problem, the script conjures a deus ex machina or mcguffin to step things along.
At times I felt like all Damon did was read Chris Hadfield’s biography and stuck to that attitude. As for exceptional performances, his work in The Martian does not compare to Good Will Hunting, The Departed, The Talented Mr. Ripley or True Grit.
I’m glad you enjoyed The Martian. I did too. But to me the emperor is naked in this one.
Sandelk
January 13, 2016 at 15:06
I loved the Martian – though agree that Matt’s performance, while very good, is certainly not the most challenging of the year. The tone Scott was going for was a lighter one and so you never really got to see his acting muscles truly tested.
James Francis
January 13, 2016 at 11:38
I think Di Caprio will get it.
Kervyn Cloete
January 13, 2016 at 13:39
I really freaking hope so. I don’t think he was ever robbed, as the years he lost, it was to very strong competition. This year is probably his best chance in a long time. Eddie Redmayne may be his biggest rival here with The Danish Girl.
Sandelk
January 13, 2016 at 14:21
I agree, I think Eddie Redmayne will be his biggest competition and not Matt Damon. I still think Leo will get it, but have my doubts on whether The Revenant will win the bigger awards – though I am still yet to see the film.
Kervyn Cloete
January 13, 2016 at 14:24
It might not win Best Picture (Spotlight and Room are apparently strong contenders), but Inarritu has to be the favourite for Best Director. This is one of those movies where you’re intently aware just how much incredible craftsmanship is on display here.