If the Golden Globes, hosted by Ricky Gervais Jan. 10, is any indication, this awards season is going to be one for the books. After some seemingly unconventional winners among favored actors for the award, some viewers were left confused by results and trending films. Though non-movie buffs like myself tend to be out of the loop for most of the award circuit's focus, there is something in it for everyone. Whether you are watching the fashion for new trends in red carpet wear (just in case the opportunity ever arises for you to join Hollywood's rich and famous) or interested in the dialogue presented by winners during their acceptance speeches, the Golden Globes gave ample opportunity to catch a glimpse of both important messaging of the night and the themes of the awards shows to come.
Just before the weekend, the Academy Award nominees were released, and Leonardo DiCaprio's "The Revenant" was tapped for 12 Oscar nominations. Among these 12 awards include best picture and best actor, which has everyone buzzing about Leo finally winning a coveted Oscar for his work. DiCaprio was awarded the title of Best Actor at the Golden Globes, which came with very little surprise from audiences everywhere. He was met with a standing ovation from those in the room (and I can guarantee there were a few Leo die-hards who were giving him their own standing O from their living rooms), because if we were to use the Golden Globes as a predictor, winning Best Actor here is a great start on the way to winning the Oscar (fingers crossed).
DiCaprio is easily one of the most talented actors in today's pool, taking on challenging roles that demand full character immersion and sometimes physically demanding endeavors. His newest role in "The Revenant" is no exception, and is a very different portrayal than his role as Jay Gatsby or Jack Dawson. This film is a gripping depiction of the brute strength required to survive in the woods without modern technology or companionship, and film critics and fans believe that this truly is Oscar-worthy work.
However, the message that DiCaprio discussed during his acceptance speech at the Golden Globes was not about the chance to finally win an Oscar or do this incredible role for the sake of winning awards. He was truly moved and humbled for the opportunity to speak about both the director of the film, Alejandro González Iñárritu, and the social justice issues the film brings up for him. Though many wished he had longer than the allotted time to discuss it, DiCaprio briefly touched upon the climate change awareness the crew experienced through trying to film in snow-covered settings, as well as the imperative acknowledgement of the history and culture of indigenous peoples. DiCaprio is a well-known climate change activist who works to better the state of our earth for generations to come. However, to also take this time to discuss indigenous peoples and the need to recognize their history was an incredible moment. He was using his platform in a way that many of the other winners failed to do. Instead of feeling flustered over the lack of time or thanking the usual suspects, he did all of that and sent a message about something beyond.
This film meant something larger to DiCaprio than just the possibility of the coveted Oscar. It meant putting himself out there in a physically, mentally and emotionally different way than he had ever before for a role in a film, and therefore, understanding aspects of climate change and indigenous peoples in a more raw way. If there is one thing we can learn from this portion of DiCaprio's speech, it is not that we are one step closer to seeing him win an Academy Award. It is that he has already won by understanding that there is more to a film than just winning awards, it is about making a social commentary on an issue that needs to be addressed.
