The 86th Academy Awards marked the 20th anniversary of Leonardo DiCaprio’s first Oscar nomination. Unfortunately, it was also the fourth time he went home empty-handed. Despite being one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood, that little golden statue continues to allude him over two decades into his wildly successful career. Here is the history behind Leo’s Oscar losses: 1994 Nominated for What’s Eating Gilbert Grape as “best supporting actor,” but lost to Tommy Lee Jones for The Fugitive. 2005 Nominated for The Aviator as “best actor” but lost to Jamie Foxx in Ray. 2007 Nominated for Blood Diamond as “best actor” but lost to Forest Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland. 2014 Nominated for The Wolf of Wall Street as “best actor” but lost to Matthew McConaughey for Dallas Buyers Club. After so many years of Academy Awards shaped disappointment, Leo may need some tips on how to get past it and cheer up. But these aren’t exclusively life hacks for the rich and famous. If they were, my list would consist of:
Roll around naked in your piles of money Go yachting with models (again). Stand perfectly still whilst millions of fans scream accolades at you Think about how you get paid millions of dollars to indulge in your passion for a living Bask in your own talent and brilliance
No. These tips are ones that even us ordinary plebs can apply to our everyday lives.
1. Let It All Out
It’s okay to be disappointed. Allow yourself to feel it, and do so without the hidden agenda of trying to speed up the grieving process. Wallowing in your pain is the best way to both move on and to reflect properly in the future. Whether you need to scream, cry or head on down to the shooting range, do what you gotta do.
2. Ignore Your Critics
Whether they be professional critics, co-workers, friends or even yourself; ignore them. Disappointments don’t mean failure and you should always persevere if you really want something. Remember, success is one percent talent, 99 perspiration.
3. Get Some Perspective
Okay, so I know you may want to smack the crap out of the people who say “it’s not the end of the world.” I get it, they’re annoying. They do, however, have a point. You need to get some perspective on the situation and ask if it will really matter that much in the long run. It’s a mere setback, not a permanent road block.
4. Really Get Some Perspective
If the last tip didn’t work, think about this: is your problem or disappointment really that bad? There are people out there without a roof over their heads. Others don’t have access to clean water sources or regular food. Some people live without basic human rights simply because of who they are or where they were born. Now tell me again about how much your life supposedly sucks.
5. Be Grateful
Now that you have some perspective, it’s time to be grateful for what you have. Think about how lucky you are to have what you do, and start thinking about hat resources you have to improve your own situation. I’m willing to be you have access to a lot more future opportunities than you realized.
6. Stop Wallowing
I know I said that you need to take time to mourn—just don’t take too much time. There’s a distinct difference between taking the time to feel your hurt or disappointment and just plain wasting time. Don’t let yourself get stuck in a rut you can’t haul yourself out of. Feel it, sure; but know when it’s time to buckle up and move on.
7. Persevere
Life will throw many a setback at you; don’t let it get you down. I’m sure this isn’t your first disappointment and it certainly wont be your last. Now that you’ve taken the time to wallow and reflect, you need to plan your next move and get back out there. Never give up on your goals and dreams.
