Leonardo DiCaprio earned the Best Actor title at the National Board of Review Awards held at Cipriani on 42nd Street in Manhattan, New York City. His acclaimed performance in the black-comedy action thriller One Battle After Another also helped the film secure the Best Film award, marking a significant achievement for the actor and the production.
Significance of DiCaprio’s Win at a Key Pre-Oscar Event
DiCaprio’s victory at this prestigious event, regarded as a major precursor to the Academy Awards, highlighted his continued excellence in acting. At 51 years old, the star took the stage with a heartfelt speech emphasizing the enduring value of cinema and the theatrical experience in a digital age where movie theaters face increasing challenges.
A Moving Tribute to Theatrical Magic and Personal Memories
During his acceptance speech, Leonardo reminisced about his father taking him to see the original King Kong when he was just four years old. The emotional experience stuck with him deeply as he said,
“As I kept on watching, something shifted in me.”
He went on to express a profound appreciation for film as a unique art form, sharing,
“As I became an adult, I began to understand that cinema is our most definitive art form. It expresses what it means to be human.”
Gratitude Toward Collaborators and Family Supporters
Leonardo extended warm thanks to director Paul Thomas Anderson, who helmed One Battle After Another. He praised Anderson as one of the few filmmakers who consistently meet the highest creative ideals, saying,
“Very few filmmakers consistently live up to that ideal. One of them is Paul Thomas Anderson. I waited 25 years … to make a film like this. That is so topical. So pertinent. About extremism, about divisiveness. That says something about the world we live in. It was an absolute honor and a joyous experience.”
He also publicly acknowledged his mother, Irmelin Indenbirkin, who was among the audience members cheering for him during the ceremony:
“She believed in me long before there was absolutely any reason to. This moment only exists because of you.”
Audience and Fan Reactions Highlight Impact of Speech
The powerful nature of DiCaprio’s speech resonated strongly with fans on social media, who praised its sincerity and depth. One admirer wrote,
“This is the kind of speech that matters, not the 45-second formulaic hollow trash on live broadcasts.”
Additional fans expressed strong support, with comments like “Well deserved!” and
“Give him the Oscar now… he’s already got his speech.”
Another enthusiast commented,
“HE WAS AWESOME IN OBAA. WELL DESERVED.”
Implications of This Win for DiCaprio’s Career and Awards Season
Securing the Best Actor accolade at the National Board of Review Awards reinforces Leonardo DiCaprio’s reputation as a leading figure in Hollywood. With his emotionally charged performance and the film’s dual success, his chances in the upcoming Oscars look increasingly promising. This recognition underscores his dedication to intense, meaningful roles and highlights the ongoing relevance of cinema as both art and cultural commentary in challenging times.
Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a powerful acceptance speech championing the theatrical experience after winning the best actor award from the National Board of Review. pic.twitter.com/bqPrBsgIet
— Variety (@Variety) January 14, 2026
This is the kind of speech that matters, not the 45 second formulaic hollow trash on live broadcasts
— Leslie (@mademoiselleles) January 14, 2026
Well deserved! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
— Vianna Peters (@PetersVianna) January 14, 2026
Give him the Oscar now….hes already got his speach
— CosmoG (@CosmoGnaulati) January 14, 2026
HE WAS AWESOME IN OBAA, WELL DESERVED
— digo verdades (@jaajjsbajeiei) January 14, 2026
