Leonardo DiCaprio news: 'The Revenant' actor wins Best Actor at BAFTA; will he bring home his first Academy award?

by Herleen Sabillano, |

This is the fourth time actor Leonardo DiCaprio was nominated at the British Academy of Film and Television Awards. In the first three, he did not take home the prize but this time, during the awards night on Feb. 14, he won Best Actor for his role in "The Revenant." 

Best director Alejandro Inarritu (L) and best leading actor Leonardo DiCaprio hold their awards as they stand with presenter Tom Cruise at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Awards at the Royal Opera House in London, February 14, 2016. | Reuters/Toby Melville

In his acceptance speech, DiCaprio thanked the people who influenced him to become that actor that he is. As he closed, he dedicated the award to his mother, Irmelin Indenbirken.

"And lastly, there's one person I have to thank," DiCaprio said. "I would not be standing up here if it weren't for this person. I didn't grow up in a life of privilege – I grew up in a very rough neighborhood in East Los Angeles and this woman drove me three hours a day to a different school to show me a different opportunity. It is her birthday today. Mom, happy birthday. I love you very much."

DiCaprio won on top of his fellow nominees: Matt Damon for "The Martian"; Eddie Redmayne for "The Danish Girl"; Bryan Cranston for "Trumbo"; and Michael Fassbender for "Steve Jobs."

"The Revenant" is based on the true story of Hugh Glass who sustained injury after a bear attack. Glass' team left him for dead and he found a way to go back to his family. 

Charlie Rose for his PBS program had the privilege of an interview with DiCaprio, and the actor said that it was his "most physically challenging role" as an actor.

"The Revenant" also won the Best Picture award, while director Alejandro G. Inarritu of the same movie garnered the Best Director award. Still from the same film, Emmanuel Lubezki won for Best Cinematography and the film also won Best Sound.

Meanwhile, Kate Winslet, DiCaprio's best friend of 18 years, also took home Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Steve Jobs."

On a related note, DiCaprio has been nominated five times at the Oscars before but hasn't won any awards. People have yet to find out if he will win his first this Feb. 28. For Actor in a Leading Role, he is once again competing against Bryan Cranston ("Trumbo"), Matt Damon ("The Martian"), Michael Fassbender ("Steve Jobs") and Eddie Redmayne ("The Danish Girl").