I just really need to get this off my chest. Leo DiCaprio is no doubt a fantastic actor. He have proven multiple times he can craft almost any type of character. His good looks certainly help as well, and I must add he is aging very well! Fans across the globe, nomination after nomination, rant and complain he should win an Academy Award. Well, yesterday was finally the day he got his award. OH JOY! I am happy for him, really. His acceptance speech was not as noteworthy when looking at it from the perspective that he's been nominated six times and just winning his first after all these years. Leo didn't comment saying anything along the lines of "Finally!", "About time!" or "At last!" (maybe he did; I only saw the speech online since I fell asleep!). It was like he was awarded any other honor, with or without any previous nominations.
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| Congrats, Leo, even though I fell asleep during that film. |
Do you know what that proves? To me, he's an actor who continues to act because he loves it, not for the fame or the awards. He has been one of those actors who uses his power and status to inform us about the real issues all humans need to be aware of and show support for in this world. I mean, he used his acceptance speech to do just that. He's done it previously; this isn't the first time.
Just because he has been finally validated with an Academy Award doesn't mean much, to be honest. The numerous nominations he's received that fellow actors and actresses will never have the privileged to add to their IMDb page alone shows he is talented and good at what he does. Specifically, Alan Rickman, a phenomenal actor, has never earned a nomination. That doesn't make his career less noteworthy. To be fair, and from what I've noticed, Alan NEVER acted to make a name for himself or be honored at award shows to prove his talents. It's an enjoyable experience and one he wants to share with the world. (Yes, I know it should be past tense, but I still can't come to grips with his passing.)
Leo should have earned an Oscar years ago, yes, but if he didn't earn it last night? That doesn't change how good of an actor he has been and will continue to be. He will still go on outperforming himself and caring for the world. I just hope that people see that getting the win at the end of the day isn't the most important thing because it will never validate his talent. Of course, it sure does feel nice to have colleagues show that support, but many other actors will never get that. Alan deserved it, but he will never get it. It makes my heart sink. He doesn't need a nomination to prove he was a fantastic actor, no, but I feel people need to get over this "Leo finally getting a win" thing quick. I don't think Leo even cares if he won or not. He's already a huge, successful star.
No, I am not trying to steal Leo's thunder and say he doesn't deserve the win. What I am saying is that we cannot judge someone based on awards or honors. Many professionals do well in their field and may never get an official plaque, trophy or certificate. That will not prove self worth or success in one's lifetime. If someone out there reading this is worried about getting validation in life... YOU ARE WORTHY. Remember that. You do not need to hear it from your boss, clients, whoever, all the time or see it in writing. Just do your job to its capacity, and hopefully you enjoy the work you do, too. :)
That's the end of my rant.