Leonardo DiCaprio may not have won an Oscar this week, but unsurprisingly, he was still one of the night’s standout stars.
The buzz around the 50-year-old actor began as soon as he hit the red carpet, when online users noticed something slightly different — his face.
Most praised his striking appearance. And yes, it’s DiCaprio — he tends to look good regardless — but many noted a marked improvement over his usual look. “He looks better now,” “He’s sexy again!” and “He’s pretty hot,” surprised users wrote. Theories ranged from the refreshing addition of a mustache to claims he had lost weight (with Ozempic, of course, mentioned more than once), while others wondered whether intense filming for Martin Scorsese’s new movie played a role.
As expected, the Daily Mail set out to investigate. Dr. Anil Shah, a facial plastic surgeon based in Chicago and New York, argued that no cosmetic procedures were involved. In his view, DiCaprio has indeed lost weight — but not necessarily with the help of diet drugs. Instead, he may have done something far simpler: stopped drinking alcohol.
Shah suspects DiCaprio is drinking less and therefore no longer consuming the toxins and excess calories found in alcohol he likely consumed until recently. He said research shows alcohol speeds up aging across the body, including the brain, skin and facial appearance — a point likely to disappoint alcohol enthusiasts.
DiCaprio has previously insisted he has never used drugs, but has acknowledged he is a fan of alcohol and also smokes. He once said he tried to quit, but without success.
At the same time, Shah does not entirely rule out the possibility that the actor used a weight-loss drug, noting such medications can also curb unhealthy urges. He said these drugs can significantly reduce addictions and cravings, and that if DiCaprio used one to manage his appetite or cut back on alcohol, he sees no issue with that.
For DiCaprio, the ceremony also featured another new development: the presence of his girlfriend, model Vittoria Ceretti, 27. The two have been dating since 2023, but she rarely accompanies him to major industry events. This marked the first time DiCaprio has brought a date to the Oscars since 2020, when he attended with then-girlfriend Camila Morrone. Given that Ceretti has also crossed the “problematic” age of 25 — the point at which he has often been rumored to part ways with partners — she may be around for a while.
A source close to the couple previously said she has had a positive influence on the actor, encouraging him to move away from a party-heavy lifestyle toward a calmer one. The source noted that while DiCaprio has dieted before, this time it is not for a film role but part of a broader effort to get in shape and adopt healthier habits to keep up with Vittoria, adding that he is in love with her, values her presence in his life and wants to maintain the relationship.
Shah agreed, saying it is entirely possible DiCaprio made lifestyle changes and is now seeing the results, adding that the shift appears to be paying off, as he looks better and likely feels better as well.
So who deserves the credit? It may still be the mustache.
“Mustaches always work!” “The mustache did it for me” and “Welcome back, Leonardo DiCaprio circa 2000,” fans wrote, while others noted the amusing coincidence that on the same night DiCaprio showed up with a mustache, Pedro Pascal appeared clean-shaven.
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The rule: when DiCaprio has a mustache, Pedro Pascal has to shave his
(Photo: Gilbert Flores/Penske Media via Getty Images)
While DiCaprio is receiving praise for his new look, another star drew less flattering reactions: Jim Carrey, who recently appeared very different from how audiences remember him. The change was so dramatic that some persistent users even claimed he had been replaced by a clone.
In his case, speculation centered on noticeable cosmetic procedures. Dr. Rachel Mason told Page Six that the most apparent change is a significant brow lift, explaining that the procedure elevates the brows permanently, smooths the forehead and creates a more relaxed, open expression.
Mason added that she believes Carrey also underwent upper eyelid surgery, noting that his eyelids are no longer hooded, excess skin appears to have been removed and his eyes look more refreshed and structurally different.
She also pointed to his smooth skin, suggesting fat transfer and a facelift. Mason said the mid and lower parts of his face appear smoother, fuller and more stable, indicating fat grafting rather than minimal filler, and added that his tightened jawline and lifted lower face are consistent with a deep facelift.
According to estimates, those procedures cost Carrey about $60,000. Growing a mustache is cheaper.