Leonardo DiCaprio was one of the most anticipated stars at the 2026 Oscars. The actor, nominated for Best Actor for ‘One Battle After Another,’ surprised attendees at the 98th Academy Awards by appearing for the first time with his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti.
The 51-year-old actor, who had always attended award ceremonies with his mother, Irmelin, his loyal companion and biggest supporter, chose this time to arrive with his partner, the 27-year-old Italian model he has been dating for the past two years.
The notable choice quickly stirred up a buzz on social media, with many applauding the couple’s Oscars debut.
Leonardo DiCaprio makes his Oscars debut with Vittoria Ceretti
Impeccably dressed in a classic black tuxedo and bow tie, DiCaprio walked the red carpet alone. But once inside the theater, he watched the ceremony alongside his girlfriend, Vittoria Ceretti, who looked radiant in a burgundy gown with her hair swept up.
© Gilbert FloresIt marked their first appearance together at the Oscars as a couple. They had never appeared together at an awards ceremony before, and what better platform than the Academy Awards to showcase their love?
© Kevin WinterDiCaprio has consistently upheld his privacy, particularly in his romantic relationships, taking extreme care to refrain from publicly expressing his affection for his partners. He has previously said he prefers to stay out of the spotlight unless he has something meaningful to promote, a strategy he says helps preserve a long career.
© Getty ImagesHowever, it seems things may have changed, and with this appearance he could not help but show the love he feels for the Italian beauty.
A Relationship that has stayed largely out of the spotlight
When he won his first Oscar for The Revenant in 2016, his mother, Irmelin, was by his side at the ceremony, an emotional milestone after six nominations. This time, however, the occasion called for him to attend with Vittoria, regardless of whether he won. The Best Actor award ultimately went to Michael B. Jordan for The Sinners.
© Getty ImagesThe couple was first photographed together in 2024, when they were spotted on a summer day strolling through the streets of Los Angeles, enjoying ice cream. Shortly afterward, they were seen together at a nightclub in Ibiza.
© GC ImagesThe famously private pair later attended the wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos in Venice and have also been spotted walking around New York, openly showing their affection. Until now, however, they had never attended an awards ceremony together.
Vittoria Ceretti opens up about their relationship
Vittoria Ceretti spoke publicly about her relationship with Leonardo DiCaprio for the first time in March 2025 in an interview with Vogue France, though she avoided mentioning his name directly to keep things discreet. The Italian supermodel confirmed that they met in Milan but chose not to go into personal details.
© Variety via Getty ImagesThe model placed particular emphasis on looking toward the future together rather than dwelling on the past romances of The Wolf of Wall Street actor. “It’s something you learn. If what you’re experiencing is real, if you know there’s love, there’s no reason to be alarmed, because love protects and gives you confidence,” she said.
Ceretti also highlighted her immediate connection with Irmelin, a key figure in DiCaprio’s life, whom she met in September 2024 during Milan Fashion Week. They shared childhood anecdotes, with Ceretti recalling how she used to dress up as a witch, a bunny, or a clown, which helped create an authentic, family-like bond from their very first meeting with someone as important to Leonardo as his mother.
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