Kate Winslet Praises Leonardo DiCaprio as “One of the Funniest People I’ve Ever Met” While Celebrating Her Directorial Debut
Kate Winslet is celebrating a milestone year — both professionally and personally — and she’s doing it with gratitude, pride, and heartfelt praise for the people closest to her.
During a recent interview marking her directorial debut, Winslet opened up about working alongside her son, watching her children step into the film industry, and her longtime friendship with Leonardo DiCaprio, whom she affectionately called one of the funniest people she has ever known.
A Powerful Directorial Debut — With Family by Her Side
Winslet recently premiered her first film as a director, an experience made even more meaningful by the fact that her son worked on the project with her.
“It was just so amazing,” she said, describing the delicate balance of being both a mother and a colleague on set. “I got used to wearing two hats — being a mom and being a colleague — and also being a teacher to a certain extent.”
With more than 35 years of experience in the industry, Winslet found herself gently guiding her son through the process, offering calm reassurance during stressful moments.
“I’d say, ‘Just breathe,’” she recalled with a smile. “And then he’d go, ‘Oh yeah — shoulders down.’ He’s so sweet.”
A Remarkable Year for the Winslet Family
The success doesn’t stop there. Winslet revealed that 2024 has been an extraordinary year for her entire family, with both her son Joe and daughter Mia pursuing creative careers of their own.
During family FaceTime calls, she admitted, they sometimes stop and marvel at how much is happening all at once.
“There are moments where we’ve all gone, ‘Oh my God, how are we doing all of this?’” she laughed.
Winslet expressed deep pride in her children — not just for their talent, but for their character, self-belief, and passion.
“They’re really good people,” she said. “They believe in themselves, and that matters more than anything.”
She also shared the advice she gives them whenever doubt creeps in: Don’t question it. Don’t overthink it. Just keep going.
Kate Winslet on Leonardo DiCaprio: “He’s Always Been Hilarious”
The conversation then turned to Leonardo DiCaprio, Winslet’s longtime friend and Titanic co-star, who was recently named Time’s Entertainer of the Year.
Asked what makes DiCaprio so entertaining, Winslet didn’t hesitate.
“What I love the most is that people are saying, ‘Oh my God, he’s so funny,’” she said. “And I’m like — yes.”
She emphasized that DiCaprio’s humor is not new to those who know him well.
“Leo is, and has always been, one of the funniest people I’ve ever met in my life,” Winslet said. “I’m so excited for him that he gets to enjoy that side of himself in this performance.”
She went on to praise his latest work as one of his finest, celebrating his willingness to embrace a lighter, more comedic dimension.
Lessons Learned From James Cameron
Winslet also reflected on working with legendary director James Cameron, with whom she has now collaborated on three films.
Though she noted that her directorial debut took place on a very different type of set, she acknowledged Cameron’s lasting influence on her approach behind the camera.
“One thing Jim absolutely knows is what he wants,” she said. “Actors really appreciate that.”
She explained that a director’s clarity provides emotional safety for performers — something she now understands from both sides of the lens.
“When a director doesn’t fully grasp the emotional core of a scene, that can be disconcerting for actors,” she said. “So yes, that’s something I’ve definitely taken with me.”
A Year of Growth, Pride, and New Chapters
From stepping into the director’s chair to watching her children forge their own paths, and cheering on her closest friends, Kate Winslet’s year has been defined by growth, gratitude, and creative evolution.
As she embraces this new chapter, one thing remains clear: Winslet continues to lead with heart — whether she’s guiding a cast, mentoring her children, or celebrating the humor and brilliance of those she loves most.
