Why 2016 Was the Year Leonardo DiCaprio Finally Became King of the World

Leonardo DiCaprio [1] always gives the world a handful of amazing moments every year. Whether it's a handsome red carpet appearance [2] or just being a normal human [3], it's hard to remember a time when he didn't make us happy. But there was definitely something about 2016 that made his year stand out from the rest. While finally getting his first Oscar is high up on the list of his accomplishments, there are also a ton of other moments we still can't get enough of. Keep reading to see them all now, then wait patiently for the joy you know he will bring in 2017.

He Finally Won an Oscar . . .

After years of starring in award-winning and unforgettable films, Leo's monumental moment finally came on Feb. 28 when he took home the Oscar for best actor [7] for his role in The Revenant. Not only did the internet lose its mind [8] over his win, but his fellow celebrities could also barely keep it together. [9]

. . . And a Ton of Other Awards, Too

In addition to his Oscar, Leo also took home a BAFTA, a Critics' Choice Award, a Golden Globe Award, an MTV Movie Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Teen Choice Award for his role in The Revenant.

He Then Made Fun of His Own Oscar Win

At the end of his big night, Leo poked fun at himself [10] and the long-running joke of him never winning the award. While getting his shiny new trophy engraved at the Governors Ball, he asked, "Do you do this every year? I wouldn't know."

His Adorable Friendship With Kate Winslet Was on Full Display

Kate and Leo's bond [11] has been making our hearts melt for years now, but during the 2016 award season, they really cranked the sweetness up a notch [12]. Not only did Kate say that, despite the lack of diverse nominees, she didn't want to boycott the Oscars [13] in order to support Leo, but she beamed in the audience [14] when he finally took home the golden statue. Oh, and did you catch this hug they shared at the Golden Globes [15] in January?

And He Said This About Her on the Red Carpet

Leo returned the favor by showing his longtime friend some love on the red carpet. During an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the Golden Globes in January, the actor called Kate his "favorite actress in the industry." [16] We are weak.

We Got to See More of His Hilarious Bromance With Tom Hardy

Leo and Tom starred together in The Revenant, and because of the film's promotion all over the world, the public got to see a lot more of their bond. In addition to wrapping their arms around each other [17] on the red carpet, they also goofed around during interviews and took selfies together [18].

He Delivered One of the Best Impersonations Ever

During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show [19] in January, Leo gave the world a rare glimpse at his hilarious personality. While telling the host a story about a terrible flight he was on while traveling to Russia, he impersonated one of the flight attendants [20] who remained oddly calm after one of the plane's engines exploded. Honestly, this will never get old.

He Got Caught on the Kiss Cam With Maggie Smith

While attending the BAFTAs in February, Leo laid a sweet smooch on legendary actress Dame Maggie Smith [21] after they were caught on the event's kiss cam. After leaning into the kiss her on the cheek, Maggie turned around and gave Leo a huge hug.

He Blessed the World With This Scared Reaction to Lady Gaga

After Lady Gaga [22] won the Golden Globe for best actress in a limited TV series for her role in American Horror Story: Hotel [23], the singer made her way to the stage. But while zig-zagging through tables, she accidentally brushed up against Leo [24], who appeared to be sharing a joke with his dad at the time. His reaction? Watch the video above to see the priceless moment.

He Sent One of the Most Iconic Text Messages to Jennifer Lopez

During Jennifer Lopez's appearance on Carpool Karaoke [25] with James Corden in March, the host stole her phone and sent a flirty text to Leo. "Hey baby, I'm kinda feeling like I need to cut loose. Any suggestions? Let me know. JLo (you know, from the block)," James sent to the actor. After a few minutes of silence, Leo finally responded, "You mean tonight, boo boo? Club-wise?" Iconic.

He Was Hip With Social Media and Snapped a Selfie

While serving as a UN Messenger of Peace during the Paris Agreement to talk about climate change in April, the actor snapped this brooding selfie [26]. While he does have Instagram and Twitter accounts, they're mostly dedicated to raising awareness for combating climate change, so it was nice to see him turn the camera on himself.

He Partied With Rihanna

Regardless of whether the rumors of Leo's maybe-romance with Rihanna [27], which have been popping up for a while, are true, the two always seem to just have a lot of fun together. During Coachella's Neon Carnival in April, the pair was spotted enjoying some music [28] and whispering into each other's ears. Short fling or not, a party with these two probably makes for one hell of a night.

He's in a Serious Relationship

After years of dating some of Hollywood's most beautiful women [29], could Leo have finally found The One? Maybe! The actor began dating model Nina Agdal over the Summer [30], and the two are still going strong. In addition to showing steamy PDA on the beach [31] in Malibu, they also held hands in New York [32] and, most recently, Leo snapped pictures of Nina [33] during a visit to the Griffith Observatory in LA.

He Released a Documentary About Climate Change

After filming his travels around the world to address climate change and bring awareness to the damage to our ecosystems and endangered species created by pollution, the actor released his powerful documentary Before the Flood [34] in November. Saving the world one day at a time, Leo.

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