Leo. He’s been America’s heartthrob since the day he stepped onto the screen as a child in television commercials. In fact, there’s no question that Leonardo DiCaprio has grown into an A-List actor, carefully portraying difficult roles that can captivate any audience.
But, the truth is — DiCaprio doesn’t deserve an Oscar this time around. Here are three arguments to support my reasoning before you tell me I’m an awful person.
1. The best acting during the last year was done by Michael Fassbender, who clearly and thoroughly studied the difficult personality of Steve Jobs before taking on the gig. Fassbender took audiences on what felt like a true journey of Jobs’ life, prompting even Apple co-founder Steve Wozniack to praise his work.
2. “Revenant” was great, but it wasn’t that great. The movie, which tells the story of a frontiersman fighting for survival in the 1820s, was a thrilling tale based, in part, on a true story. But, the movie dragged. It would’ve been stronger had it been cut short and it’s far from being comparable to other movies DiCaprio has been nominated for, such as “The Wolf of Wall Street” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.”
3. Finally, an actor doesn’t deserve to win an Oscar just because it’s “his year.” I understand DiCaprio has worked hard in the industry, has a passion for the industry, and really is, one of the best actors of our time. But that doesn’t justify him winning an Oscar when it just isn’t his time.
I’m sorry, Leo. #truth
Hoa Quach is a contributing editor for Times of San Diego.