More than two and a half decades after their iconic breakthrough, Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio continue to uplift and inspire each other in their respective careers with unwavering enthusiasm. During a recent exclusive screening of Winslet's new film, Lee, which premiered in September, DiCaprio offered a concise yet deeply felt introduction, hailing the actress as "one of the paramount talents of our generation." In a video message played at the screening, he expressed, "Kate, my cherished friend, your portrayal in this film is nothing short of transformative. I remain in awe and admiration of your strength, integrity, talent, and unwavering passion in every endeavor you create."
Directed by Ellen Kuras, Lee stars Winslet as Elizabeth 'Lee' Miller, a fashion model who becomes a World War II photographer. Winslet's Oscar-winning prowess was first showcased alongside DiCaprio in James Cameron's Titanic (1997), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, before they reunited in Sam Mendes' Revolutionary Road (2008).
Winslet recently revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes anecdote about Lee, which serendipitously led to another Titanic reunion. While attending a session where composer Alexandre Desplat conducted a 120-piece orchestra for the film's score, she noticed a familiar face among the musicians. "I was looking at this violinist and thought, 'I know that face,'" she recounted on The Graham Norton Show. "Remember the scene in Titanic where the ship is sinking, and the violinist stands up and says, 'Come on, lads,' and starts playing?" she explained. "It was him! I exclaimed, 'It's you!' It was an astonishing moment."
Winslet added, "There he was, just wonderful. Our film was filled with such moments, where individuals I've either collaborated with or known for years, having grown up in the industry together, showed up for me. It was truly incredible." Jonathan Evans-Jones, along with his fellow I Salonisti members, a chamber music ensemble founded in 1981, played the violinist in Titanic.
