Leonardo DiCaprio is often a prominent figure in discussions surrounding the Oscars, and based on the trailer for his upcoming film One Battle After Another, it seems almost inevitable that he will secure another nomination next year. Set for a September 2025 release, this film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, marks his most ambitious project to date, reportedly boasting a budget exceeding $130 million—a significant financial gamble for Warner Bros. Given DiCaprio’s impressive box office history, many view this collaboration as a strong contender for the prestigious Academy Awards rather than a mere commercial success.
Both Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio have a commendable history with the Academy Awards, prompting me to include One Battle After Another in my early predictions for the 2026 Oscars Best Picture category. However, there is a concern that the film’s commercial appeal might not resonate with voters as deeply as Anderson’s previous works. With heightened expectations surrounding any new projects from PTA or DiCaprio, the pressure is on One Battle After Another to captivate audiences. Yet, with the trailer now available, it appears that the film is positioning itself as a formidable contender, particularly for DiCaprio’s performance.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Performance In One Battle After Another Looks Promising
There’s Depth Behind All The Chaos
The trailer for One Battle After Another showcases DiCaprio as a father and resistance member on a desperate quest to find his daughter. Although the footage is filled with chaotic and comedic moments, at first glance, it might appear as an unlikely candidate for awards consideration. However, DiCaprio’s interactions—such as grappling with a confusing phone code and celebrating guidance from his mentor, portrayed by Benicio Del Toro—suggest a rich layer of comedy reminiscent of his roles in Don’t Look Up and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
While we have only glimpsed aspects of DiCaprio’s performance, subtle moments in the trailer indicate remarkable potential. His character embodies the struggles of a father determined to rescue his child, offering a universally relatable narrative. Given Paul Thomas Anderson’s storytelling prowess, I am optimistic that DiCaprio’s role will reveal substantial emotional depth beyond what we’ve seen so far.
This film could align itself alongside DiCaprio’s earlier performances in movies like Don’t Look Up, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and The Wolf of Wall Street—all of which blend humor and drama effectively. With two Oscar nominations for those films, this bodes well for his chances again. DiCaprio has proven to be one of the finest dramatic talents of his generation, and the Academy may be inclined to acknowledge his efforts once more, especially after waiting so long to recognize his work in The Revenant.
Paul Thomas Anderson’s Movies Have A Strong Record with Oscar Nominations
He’s Directed Several Actors to Oscar Nominations
Having faced the Oscars many times with six nominations and one win, DiCaprio is well-acquainted with the awards circuit, but Paul Thomas Anderson’s films have a commendable record for generating Oscar nominations. Over the years, Anderson’s artistic direction has garnered nine separate Oscar nominations for actors, showcasing his ability to shape powerful performances.
Anderson’s early success with the Oscars began with Boogie Nights, where Burt Reynolds and Julianne Moore received nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectively. Following that, Tom Cruise earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination for Magnolia. Daniel Day-Lewis was the first actor from a PTA film to win the Best Actor Oscar for his outstanding portrayal in There Will Be Blood, while The Master saw nominations for Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Amy Adams across significant categories.
The recent film Phantom Thread further exemplified Anderson’s talent for directing award-winning performances, with Daniel Day-Lewis and Lesley Manville both receiving nominations, although they did not win. With his films totaling nine acting nominations and one win, DiCaprio’s likelihood of earning a nomination for One Battle After Another appears promising given that three out of nine leading male performances under PTA have received Best Actor nominations. I am optimistic that DiCaprio will follow suit.
Leonardo DiCaprio is Due For Another Oscar Nomination
He’s Experienced a Minor Drought
It is noteworthy that DiCaprio has not been a part of the awards season discussion as a nominee in several years. His latest nomination was for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. Despite both Don’t Look Up and Killers of the Flower Moon receiving significant attention, he was not recognized this past season. With a gap of five years since his last nomination, the release of One Battle After Another represents a pivotal opportunity for the industry to honor one of the greatest actors of our time.
Reflecting on the nearly ten years since he won Best Actor for The Revenant, it’s concerning that out of his four films since then, he holds one nomination but no wins. While DiCaprio continues to remain active, with upcoming roles in Damien Chazelle’s Evel Knievel project and Martin Scorsese’s Hawaiian gangster film, it would be disappointing if he remains overlooked for performances that clearly merit recognition.
Having secured six Oscar nominations, DiCaprio is still eligible for more accolades. It would be a misstep for Academy members to overlook One Battle After Another, especially if it lives up to its promising expectations. I believe that this time there will be recognition of his consistent effort, coupled with the significant backing of a respected director like Paul Thomas Anderson, should enhance his award potential.
Will Leonardo DiCaprio Win His Second Oscar For One Battle After Another?
Winning An Oscar Is An Entirely Different Story
While I am confident that DiCaprio will earn his seventh Oscar nomination for One Battle After Another, predicting a win for Best Actor is less certain. The Academy Awards landscape can shift dramatically in the months leading up to the ceremony, changing the dynamics of the Best Actor competition.
At this stage, it remains unclear who DiCaprio will be up against for the Oscar. Early contenders like Timothée Chalamet for Marty Supreme and Daniel Day-Lewis for Anemone are among the favorites, but the list also includes an array of strong candidates such as Matthew McConaughey, Dwayne Johnson, Jeremy Allen White, Paul Mescal, Tom Hiddleston, Joel Edgerton, and Benedict Cumberbatch.
If the film’s execution and DiCaprio’s performance resonate with the audience as anticipated, the possibility of a victory remains high. However, with so many variables in play, it is too early to make a definitive call on whether he will secure another Oscar for his role in One Battle After Another. For now, one thing is clear: if both the film and DiCaprio’s portrayal meet expectations, the chances for recognition loom large.