Leonardo DiCaprio Speaks About ‘One Battle After Another’ As He Joins Elite Class With 8th Oscar Nomination

Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most celebrated and acclaimed actors in Hollywood, and this morning when the 2026 Oscar nominations were announced he found himself back in a familiar category.

Throughout his long and critically-acclaimed career dating back to the early 90s, DiCaprio has been a frequent Oscar nominee courtesy of his collection of iconic performances — and his latest film, “One Battle After Another,” has just earned him another spot on the ballot box.

What Leonardo DiCaprio Had To Say After His 2026 Oscar Nomination Was Announced

In an exclusive with Deadline, the actor, a Best Actor Oscar winner for his role in “The Revenant,” spoke about the Paul Thomas Anderson-directed film’s 14 nominations, co-stars who were left out, and more.

Earning his 8th Oscar nomination has now put DiCaprio in an elite category of actors, that includes screen legends Richard Burton, Ingrid Bergman, Robert Duvall, Dustin Hoffman, Jane Fonda, Greer Garson, Jeff Bridges, and his long-time friend and co-star in “Titanic” and “Revolutionary Road,” Kate Winslet.

“Paul made one of those films that I’m going to be so proud to look back,” DiCaprio said. “I feel like he really put his thumb on the pulse of America right now. I hope it will be remembered that way, and lives on for years to come. And it’s all a testament to Paul’s writing and what he wanted to say about who we are right now.”

Although the film received multiple nominations in acting categories for co-stars Teyana Taylor (Best Supporting Actress,) along with Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn in the Best Supporting Actor category, Chase Infiniti was noticeably absent from the film’s nominees.

“Chase was the heart and soul of this movie and she’s going to have an incredible career ahead of her,” DiCaprio said of the actress who made her film debut in “One Battle After Another.” She really carried this film, especially it being her first role in a feature film. I couldn’t have been more proud of her and the integrity and the intensity and the leadership that she brought to that character.”

Known for taking a humble approach when it comes to awards recognition, DiCaprio instead chose to boast about the as a whole instead of his Best Actor nomination.

DiCaprio may be back in the Oscar race soon, as he has a collection of high-profile films on the way, including the highly anticipated “Heat 2.” Deadline attempted to pry a few details out of him about the project, but he simply replied, “we’re keeping that one tight.”

The Actor Previously Offered Clarification About ‘Heat 2’

Fans of the 1995 original, starring Hollywood icons Al Pacino and Robert Deniro, were immediately curious about what the second interaction of the project would be, and DiCaprio offered some much-needed clarity.

“This is very much its own movie,” he told Deadline in October 2025. “We’re still working on it, we’re a ways away from production. It tips its hat to 'Heat,' but it’s an homage, and it picks up the story from there. The book is already out there, so there are no big secrets that I’m divulging.”

“It’s set in the future, and the past, from that pivotal moment in what I think is the great crime noir film of my lifetime,” DiCaprio continued. “We can’t duplicate what 'Heat' was, so it’s paying homage to that film, but giving it its own unique entity.”

‘One Battle After Another’ Has Been A Favorite During The 2026 Award Season

The critically acclaimed film earned three Critic’s Choice Awards, notably Best Picture and Best Director, and the recognition continued.

Shortly after, the film earned nine Golden Globe nominations, the most of any film at the 2026 awards ceremony, and walked away with four: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Original Screenplay.

"One Battle After Another” was also the second most-nominated film at this year’s Oscars, earning 14 nominations, just behind “Sinners” with a record-setting 16 nods.

Ryan Coogler Also Shared His Thoughts On The Record-Breaking Oscar Nominations For ‘Sinners’

Director Ryan Coogler told Deadline that it was “pretty crazy” to find out that not only did “Sinners” earn multiple Oscar nominations, but it also broke a 10-year record.

“I did not have any expectations when it came to the recognition of what they [the team] did,” he said. “For me, people just showing up to the movies and having a good time, that would’ve been enough. That is worth all the effort. But that people would consider the craft and the achievements that went into it individually. It’s so rewarding.”

Coogler’s happiness also trickled down to his frequent collaborator, and the film’s star, Michael B. Jordan, who earned his first-ever nomination.

“That’s a 14-year relationship. So to see him achieve this recognition by his peers, it’s just the best feeling to have. We just feel really, really, really happy that they said yes to the project, first of all, and happy for them,” Coogler said.

There Were Many High-Profile Snubs With This Year’s Nominations

One of the biggest box office successes of 2025 didn’t manage to earn any Oscar nominations, as “Wicked: For Good” was left off this year’s list.

The George Clooney-starring “Jay Kelly” and the Bruce Springsteen biopic “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” were also left absent. Jennifer Lawrence and Jesse Plemons are included in the group of expected acting nominations that didn’t become a reality.