LOS ANGELES — The “New Heights” bump is officially a cinematic force. Travis and Jason Kelce took to social media this week to celebrate Leonardo DiCaprio and Benicio del Toro after their film, One Battle After Another, dominated the 98th Academy Awards. The Paul Thomas Anderson-directed thriller took home six Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Casting, cementing its place as the definitive film of the year.
The Legend of Lenny Williams and Benny Del
The connection between the gridiron and the red carpet sparked last September. DiCaprio and del Toro joined the Kelce brothers for a legendary episode of the New Heights podcast, where Jason introduced the duo with a WWE-style flair. He noted their films had grossed nearly $14 billion. But the real magic happened when the actors shared stories about their early-career aliases. The Kelces never forgot.
As the film secured the Best Picture trophy on Sunday night, the New Heights social channels immediately tapped into the inside joke. They congratulated “Lenny Williams” and “Benny Del,” a nod to the humble beginnings the stars discussed with the 92%ers months ago. This isn’t just a win for Hollywood; it’s a massive moment for the Kelce media empire, which continues to bridge the gap between pro sports and elite entertainment.
- 98th Academy Awards: 6 Wins (Best Picture, Best Director)
- 83rd Golden Globes: 4 Wins
- BAFTAs: 6 Wins
- Box Office: Listed in AFI Top Ten of 2025
“Congratulations to Lenny Williams, Benny Del, and the cast of One Battle After Another on their Best Picture win!”
— @newheightshow, Official X/Twitter Account
Cultural Impact and What’s Next
The success of One Battle After Another marks a rare moment where a black comedy thriller captures both critical acclaim and massive commercial appeal. For the Kelce brothers, this reinforces their status as the premier curators of culture in the sports world. Travis Kelce, currently balancing his late-career NFL dominance with a burgeoning media presence, has found a way to make the New Heights set a mandatory stop for A-list talent.
Expect the next episode of New Heights to feature a deep dive into the ceremony. If history repeats itself, the Kelces might just have another Oscar-winning guest lined up before the 2026 NFL kickoff. The momentum from this awards season proves that whether it’s a Super Bowl ring or an Oscar statuette, the Kelce brothers know how to pick a winner.
