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Leonardo DiCaprio Hails Cinema as "Definitive Art Form" in Heartfelt Tribute

Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a moving speech at the National Board of Review gala, reflecting on how childhood cinema visits shaped his worldview. He honored cinema as humanity's "most definitive art form" and praised director Paul Thomas Anderson for his impactful filmmaking. DiCaprio emotionally thanked his mother for her lifelong support of his acting dreams. His film, 'One Battle After Another,' was a major winner at the recent Golden Globes ceremony.

Key Points: Leonardo DiCaprio Calls Cinema "Definitive Art Form"

  • DiCaprio's childhood movie-going inspiration
  • Tribute to director Paul Thomas Anderson
  • Thanks to his mother's unwavering support
  • Film 'One Battle After Another' wins big at Golden Globes
2 min read

Leonardo DiCaprio offers major tribute to cinema, calling it "definitive art form"

Leonardo DiCaprio reflects on cinema's power, honoring Paul Thomas Anderson and his mother in a poignant awards speech.

"cinema is our most definitive art form. It expresses what it means to be human. - Leonardo DiCaprio"

Los Angeles, January 14

Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio took a moment to reflect on the culture of movie theatres, calling cinema "our most definitive art form."

Speaking at the National Board of Review gala, where he won the Best Actor Award for 'One Battle After Another', DiCaprio recalled his childhood days when his father took him to the historic Vista cinema to watch the original 'King Kong'.

"As I kept on watching, something shifted in me,' DiCaprio said, as quoted by Deadline on Tuesday.

He further added, "It was a place to escape my neighbourhood. A place where something larger than my own life seemed possible. At some point, each of us sat in a movie theatre, the lights went down, something on that screen rearranged how we saw the world and ourselves. 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."

In a nod to his 'One Battle After Another' director, Paul Thomas Anderson, DiCaprio added, "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 honour and a joyous experience."

In his speech, the actor thanked his mother, who was also present in the audience.

"She believed in me long before there was absolutely any reason to. Driving me to auditions every single day after school. Supporting the dream that started in the theatres... This moment only exists because of you," he said, as per Deadline.

At the 2026 Golden Globes, 'One Battle After Another' emerged as one of the biggest winners, taking home the Best Motion Picture (Comedy or Musical), Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actress for Teyana Taylor.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Respect for his words, but I wish our own Bollywood superstars spoke more often about cinema as an art form, not just box office numbers. We have incredible stories to tell too.
A
Arjun K
His tribute to his mother hit home. So many Indian parents make similar sacrifices, driving kids to classes and auditions. The dream often starts with family support. Heartwarming.
S
Sarah B
It's interesting he mentions cinema expressing what it means to be human. The best films, whether from Hollywood or regional Indian cinema, do exactly that—they show us ourselves.
V
Vikram M
The theatre experience is dying here too with multiplex ticket prices. But nothing beats the big screen for a truly epic film. Hope we preserve it.
K
Karthik V
Waiting 25 years for the right role shows incredible patience. In our fast-paced industry, actors rarely get that luxury. A lesson in choosing quality over quantity.

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