Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio delivered a moving tribute to his mother during his acceptance speech at the prestigious National Board of Review Gala in New York City on Tuesday night. The 51-year-old actor clinched the Best Actor award for his leading role in the drama One Battle After Another.
A Heartfelt Ovation to Maternal Support
Taking to the stage, DiCaprio dedicated the honour to his 82-year-old mother, Irmelin Indenbirken, crediting her unwavering belief in his early ambitions. "She believed in me long before there was absolutely any reason to," he stated emotionally. He recalled her driving him to auditions daily after school and supporting "the dream that started in the theatres." The actor concluded this part of his speech by asserting, "This moment only exists because of you."
Reflecting on the film itself, which he waited 25 years to make, DiCaprio told the audience via Deadline that the project was "so topical" and "pertinent," dealing with themes of extremism and divisiveness in the modern world. He described the experience as "an absolute honour and a joyous experience."
Top Honours for 'One Battle After Another'
The gala was a significant triumph for the film One Battle After Another. Acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson secured the evening's top prize of Best Film and was also named Best Director. In a statement, NBR President Annie Schulhof praised Anderson as "one of the shining lights of contemporary cinema," highlighting the film's bold and thrilling narrative that connects a father and daughter amidst wild events.
Adding to the film's accolades, DiCaprio's co-star Benicio del Toro won the Best Supporting Actor award for his portrayal of Sergio St. Carlos. The drama/action thriller follows Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), a washed-up revolutionary living off-grid with his daughter, whose disappearance forces a confrontation with their pasts.
The Foundation of a Star's Journey
The bond between DiCaprio and his mother has been a consistent cornerstone of his life and career. Irmelin raised him as a single parent in Los Angeles after separating from his father, George, before Leonardo's first birthday. She provided a stable upbringing despite the challenges of their "rough" East Los Angeles neighbourhood, which DiCaprio has said offered him a valuable perspective.
Her protective instinct was fierce during his early fame, often shielding him from paparazzi. Her own background was marked by hardship; she was born in a German air raid shelter in 1943 during the Second World War. Determined her son would have better opportunities, the family eventually moved to the United States.
In a touching full-circle moment, DiCaprio has also enriched his mother's life, reportedly setting her up on a blind date nearly 11 years ago with her now-partner, David Ward. The couple frequently accompanies him to glamorous events worldwide.
The National Board of Review 2025 honourees included:
- Best Film: One Battle After Another
- Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
- Best Actor: Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another
- Best Actress: Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
- Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro, One Battle After Another
- Best Supporting Actress: Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value
