Leonardo DiCaprio, one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces, will be absent from the 2026 Actor Awards, despite being nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role for his function in “One Battle After Another.” The actor is currently in Europe filming his latest project with director Martin Scorsese, making his attendance at the Los Angeles ceremony on Sunday, March 1, impossible, as confirmed by People magazine.
The Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG Awards, celebrate the achievements of performers in film and television. DiCaprio’s nomination recognizes his portrayal of activist Bob Ferguson in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” a role that has already garnered significant attention this awards season. Even as he won’t be present to accept the award should he win, his absence doesn’t diminish the film’s momentum or his standing among his peers.
Scorsese Collaboration Takes Precedence
DiCaprio’s commitment to the novel Scorsese film, titled “What Happens at Night,” is the primary reason for his absence. The project, based on the novel by Peter Cameron, is currently in production in Europe. The film follows an American couple as they navigate the complexities of adopting a child in a small European town. This marks the latest collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese, a partnership that has produced critically acclaimed films like 2023’s “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
The dedication to this project highlights DiCaprio’s ongoing commitment to working with some of the industry’s most respected directors. The production schedule for “What Happens at Night” simply doesn’t allow for travel back to Los Angeles for the awards show. Jennifer Lawrence co-stars in the film, adding another layer of star power to the production.
A Competitive Field at the Actor Awards
DiCaprio faces stiff competition in the Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role category. He is nominated alongside Timothée Chalamet for “Marty Supreme,” Ethan Hawke for “Blue Moon,” Michael B. Jordan for “Sinners,” and Jesse Plemons for “Bugonia.” The field represents a diverse range of performances and films, making the outcome of the award particularly anticipated.
Despite missing the ceremony, DiCaprio’s recent awards season has been largely successful. “One Battle After Another” was recently recognized as Best Film at the BAFTAs, although DiCaprio himself did not win the leading actor award, with Robert Aramayo taking home the trophy for his role in “I Swear.” The film also secured a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and earned the Critics Choice Award for Best Film.
The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, will provide another opportunity for DiCaprio to be recognized for his performance. “One Battle After Another” has received a total of 13 nominations, including Best Picture, positioning it as a strong contender for several awards. This marks DiCaprio’s sixth nomination in the Best Actor category.
© imago/Cinema Publishers Collection/A.M.P.A.S.
The upcoming Oscar ceremony will be closely watched, not only for the potential wins for “One Battle After Another” but also for DiCaprio’s continued presence as a leading figure in contemporary cinema. The awards season continues to highlight the film’s critical and commercial success, solidifying its place as a major contender in the industry.
The next major date for DiCaprio and the “One Battle After Another” team is the Academy Awards ceremony on March 15, where the film’s fate will be determined. Further updates on the production of “What Happens at Night” are expected in the coming months as filming progresses in Europe.
What are your thoughts on DiCaprio’s absence from the Actor Awards? Share your opinions and predictions for the Oscars in the comments below.
