Leonardo DiCaprio Voices Support for Co-Star Chase Infiniti After Oscar 2026 Snub
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio has publicly reacted to the Oscars 2026 snub of his One Battle After Another co-star Chase Infiniti, expressing strong disappointment and affirming that she deserved a nomination for her compelling role in the film. The acclaimed actor, speaking from Washington DC, emphasized Infiniti's crucial contribution to the movie's success.
DiCaprio Praises Infiniti as the Emotional Core of the Film
In an interview with the Associated Press, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter, DiCaprio highlighted that Infiniti served as the emotional center, describing her as the "heart and soul" of One Battle After Another. He elaborated that the film would feel incomplete without her performance, which he credited as the primary force that held the narrative together.
DiCaprio, an eight-time Academy Award nominee and Best Actor winner for The Revenant in 2016, shared his perspective after learning that Infiniti was excluded from the Best Actress list for the 2026 Oscars. He underscored the challenges she faced, noting that carrying such deep emotional weight in her debut film was a "near-impossible" task, yet she handled it with remarkable strength and pride.
Infiniti's Performance and Oscar Nominations Overview
DiCaprio's comments come amidst a wave of anticipation for the Oscars, where One Battle After Another has garnered significant recognition. The film received a total of 13 nominations, including:
- Best Picture
- Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson
- Best Supporting Actor for Benicio Del Toro
- Best Lead Actor for Leonardo DiCaprio, who is nominated alongside Timothee Chalamet, Ethan Hawke, Michael B. Jordan, and Wagner Moura
Despite these accolades, many in the film industry had expected Chase Infiniti to secure a Best Actress nomination. The final list, however, features Jessie Buckley, Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Renate Reinsve, and Emma Stone. This omission has sparked discussions among industry watchers, who have pointed out that several other actors also missed out on nominations this year.
DiCaprio's Heartfelt Tribute to Infiniti
Reflecting on Infiniti's role, DiCaprio stated, "She was the fabric of this movie. She was the heart and soul. There would be no One Battle After Another without the performance that she gave." He further praised her resilience, adding, "A young actress coming in to fill a role that was her first film and carrying the entire emotional weight of this movie was a near-impossible task. She should be so proud of herself and we're all so proud of her."
This public endorsement from a seasoned actor like DiCaprio not only highlights Infiniti's talent but also sheds light on the often unpredictable nature of award nominations. As the entertainment world gears up for the Oscars 2026 ceremony, DiCaprio's words serve as a reminder of the impactful performances that sometimes go unrecognized in the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
