With the 97th Academy Awards just around the corner, Hollywood is buzzing with excitement. This annual celebration of cinematic excellence has seen its share of iconic moments—none perhaps more pivotal than the newest collaboration between luxury Swiss watchmaker Rolex and beloved star Leonardo DiCaprio. This partnership is part of Rolex’s latest campaign called "Reach for the Crown," which pays tribute to Oscar-winning artists and champions their contributions to the arts.
DiCaprio is uniquely positioned to embody this theme, having achieved considerable acclaim for his performances throughout his three-decade career. He made waves with the 2016 film The Revenant, earning not only his first Oscar for Best Actor but solidifying his status as one of the most formidable talents of his generation. Alongside celebrated filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Kathryn Bigelow, DiCaprio’s inclusion as one of Rolex’s newest Testimonees marks another highlight of his illustrious career.
This year’s Oscars will take place at Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on March 2, 2025. The annual event is one of the most-watched on television, broadcast to over 200 territories globally, showcasing the pinnacle of artistic achievement across various categories—acting, directing, cinematography, and more.
Throughout his career, DiCaprio has consistently sought out roles from directors who challenge the creative boundaries of cinema. His scores from various films like Titanic (1997), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), bear the hallmarks of innovative storytelling and cinematic mastery. His collaborations with top directors showcase not only his versatility as an actor but also highlight his commitment to supporting spectacular cinema.
With his anticipated appearance at the upcoming awards, DiCaprio will remind audiences of his significant contributions to the film industry and the transformative power of storytelling. His presence, alongside the visual elegance of Rolex, reiterates the event's aim to celebrate artistry and excellence.
This relationship between luxury branding and the cinematic arts is not new. High-end brands and screen luminaries have often intersected, creating dazzling moments on the red carpet and beyond. Just look at the annual pre-Oscar dinner hosted by Chanel and Charles Finch, attracting film stars, artists, and influencers for one glamorous evening before Hollywood's biggest night. The event, held at the iconic Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel, brings together nominees and other prestigious guests to enjoy mingling and celebration.
This year, noted Oscar nominees such as Demi Moore, Adrien Brody, and Felicity Jones graced the event, each showcasing their unique styles, from elegant gowns to designer ensembles. Leonardo DiCaprio himself was spotted mingling with his fellow stars, including Jeff Bezos and Idris Elba, taking it all in as the evening unfolded.
Chanel’s status as the go-to for many Hollywood elites reinforces its deep ties to cinema and artistic expression, which they continue to honor through partnerships with events like the Academy Museum’s screenings, reinforcing the brand’s long-standing connection to film.
The narrative woven through the Oscars history is riddled with glamorous appearances and moving stories. For example, when DiCaprio attended the ceremony with Gisele Bündchen back in 2005, it marked one of their rare public appearances together before their eventual breakup. The couple was part of an impressive guest list, which included Beyoncé and Jay-Z making their own rare red carpet appearance, capturing the attention of both fans and the media alike.
That year, the star-studded event cemented its place in pop culture history with heartfelt moments, including Jamie Foxx’s daughter accompanying him as he won for Ray and Kirsten Dunst presenting alongside family—a nod to the bonds formed through shared experiences and celebration of creativity.
Fast forward 20 years, and the essence remains strong—showcasing new talents alongside seasoned stars, blending cinematic art with pop culture references and high fashion, as is the case with Chanel’s pre-Oscars dinner and Rolex's tribute to DiCaprio’s career. DiCaprio stands as the epitome of cinematic excellence, making every event he graces all the more noteworthy.
Whether he walks home this year with another golden statuette or not, DiCaprio remains deeply embedded within the heart of the film industry, continually shaping the narrative of modern cinema. His active role as not just an actor but also as someone who cares deeply about stories’ societal impacts extends far beyond the confines of the silver screen.
Hollywood continues to thrive on moments of recognition, collaboration, and celebration. And as the 97th Academy Awards approaches, the anticipation of seeing DiCaprio alongside his peers highlights not only his achievements but the broader artistic narrative of cinema itself—a combined effort of many who dazzle audiences worldwide. The intersection of luxury, artistry, and heartfelt storytelling ignites the magic of the red carpet and celebrates all who contribute to this dynamic field of entertainment.