After three decades of admiration, Hollywood stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio Del Toro are finally sharing the screen in the critically acclaimed film, “One Battle After Another.” This marks their first collaboration since they both appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair in April 1996, celebrating them as breakout actors.
DiCaprio portrays Bob Ferguson, a disillusioned former revolutionary, while Del Toro plays Sergio St. Carlos, the mentor of Bob’s defiant teenage daughter, Willa. The film, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, has garnered significant attention during awards season, sweeping top honors at events such as the Gotham Awards, the National Board of Review, and multiple critics’ circles. It notably earned the highest number of nominations at the upcoming Golden Globes.
Reflecting on their long-standing camaraderie, DiCaprio expressed his admiration for Del Toro, stating, “We’ve kind of grown up together in this industry.” He praised Del Toro’s career choices and emphasized the importance of their working relationship, revealing that producers halted the film’s production to accommodate Del Toro’s prior project. DiCaprio acknowledged the immediate chemistry they shared on set, noting that Del Toro’s specific approach to his character helped establish a strong partnership.
Del Toro reciprocated, sharing that DiCaprio’s humor and generosity create a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing the collaborative experience. He highlighted DiCaprio’s ability to elevate the performance of his co-stars, noting that he’s seen it firsthand during their filming together. Del Toro also commended co-star Chase Infiniti, who plays his character’s student, calling her “super talented” and emphasizing her potential.
Amidst the film’s dramatic moments, a viral scene where Del Toro’s character dances after being stopped by police showcases the film’s blend of humor and authenticity. Del Toro explained that the scene was not intended for comedic effect, but rather emerged from a place of truth within the character.
DiCaprio pointed out the essential role Del Toro’s character plays in his journey, humorously paraphrasing “Star Wars” to emphasize their connection. He described their characters’ struggle to navigate a chaotic environment, stressing the importance of mutual support and goodness in the world today.
With DiCaprio holding a Best Actor Oscar from his role in “The Revenant” and Del Toro winning Best Supporting Actor for “Traffic,” both actors are anticipated strong contenders for the upcoming 2026 Oscars nominations, set to be announced on January 22. Their reunion in “One Battle After Another” not only highlights their enduring friendship but also underscores the collective talent and camaraderie present in today’s cinematic landscape.