Leonardo DiCaprio, Alejandro G. Iñárritu Promote 'The Revenant' In Mexico City: Talk Oscar Noms, Working Together

Last Thursday, Alejandro González Iñárritu’s latest film, “The Revenant” premiered in Mexico (his home country) and to continue promoting it, both, him and lead star Leonardo DiCaprio gave a press conference in Mexico City, to which Latin Times was invited. Excitement was high (to say the least) and the two answered questions as to, if and why they would work together again; they spoke about the Oscars (for which the film earned 12 nominations including Best Director and Best Actor), as well as the challenges they faced while making the super complex movie.

DiCaprio mentioned he hadn’t been in Mexico City since he was filming Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo and Juliet” and mentioned he was honored to be back, especially with “your celebrated and acclaimed, masterful director.” The actor explained he decided to work with Iñárritu because he considers him a “fantastic artist.” “[Alejandro] is one of the most groundbreaking directors of modern cinema, and his last two films are going to be talked about for generations to come.”

Praise went back and forth when the director thanked the actor and Emmanuel Lubezki for their work, saying none of it would’ve been possible without them. In response, DiCaprio said that having worked with two talents such as Iñárritu and Lubezki gave him the chance to focus only on what he had to do, knowing the results were going to be breathtaking.

Both commented, numerous times, on what the Oscar nominations mean for them and the film. It is a recognition they feel very grateful for, and while winning would be extremely gratifying, they insist it is “beyond their control at this point.” DiCaprio also added it has never been the reason why he makes movies.

A reporter from Argentina asked the director to describe his experience in Patagonia, which he said was “absolutely fantastic.” “Getting there and being able to speak in Spanish with the crew was insanely relieving,” he explained. “And of course, having a good ‘bife’ with chimichurri was amazing.” When asked what comes next, Iñárritu responded his next challenge is to try and rest for six months; something he’s really bad at doing. “I want to go into a cave and hibernate like a bear for the next six months. Let’s see how that goes.”