Jacob Elordi’s playful middle finger at Leonardo DiCaprio during the AFI Awards wasn’t just a candid moment—it’s a symbol of Hollywood’s shifting guard. Here’s why this gesture, captured by Variety’s Marc Malkin, is resonating far beyond the event.
The AFI Awards luncheon on January 9, 2026, delivered an unexpected highlight: Jacob Elordi, the rising star of Frankenstein and Saltburn, playfully flicking the middle finger at Leonardo DiCaprio while the Oscar winner posed with Guillermo del Toro and Benicio del Toro. Captured by Variety reporter Marc Malkin, the moment quickly went viral, sparking conversations about Hollywood’s changing dynamics.
At first glance, the gesture seems like a lighthearted prank—Elordi, known for his laid-back charm, adding a touch of irreverence to a star-studded event. But the context makes it richer: Elordi had just won Best Supporting Actor at the Critics Choice Awards for Frankenstein, beating out Benicio del Toro’s nomination for One Battle After Another. The playful jab at DiCaprio, a longtime A-lister, feels like a passing of the torch—or at least a cheeky nod to the new generation’s arrival.
The AFI Awards: A Gathering of Titans
The AFI Awards, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, celebrate the year’s most outstanding films and television. Founded in 1967, the American Film Institute has long been a champion of cinematic artistry, making this event a key stop in awards season. This year’s luncheon brought together legends like DiCaprio and del Toro alongside rising stars like Elordi, creating a rare collision of Hollywood’s past and future.
Elordi’s presence wasn’t just ceremonial. His role as the Creature in Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, has been a career-defining turn. The film, also starring Oscar Isaac and Mia Goth, reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic with del Toro’s signature gothic flair. Elordi’s Critics Choice win solidified his status as a serious actor, far removed from his Euphoria and The Kissing Booth days.
From Netflix Heartthrob to Awards Contender
Elordi’s trajectory is a masterclass in strategic career moves. After breaking out in The Kissing Booth franchise, he pivoted to prestige projects:
- Euphoria (2019–2022): His role as Nate Jacobs made him a household name.
- Priscilla (2023): Playing Elvis Presley opposite Cailee Spaeny in Sofia Coppola’s biopic.
- Saltburn (2023): A scene-stealing performance in Emerald Fennell’s psychological thriller.
- Frankenstein (2025): His Critics Choice-winning role, proving his range.
Up next? He’s set to star as Heathcliff in Fennell’s Wuthering Heights, opposite Margot Robbie—another sign of his ascent into Hollywood’s upper echelon.
Why the Middle Finger Matters
The gesture, while playful, carries weight. DiCaprio, a five-time Oscar nominee and winner for The Revenant, represents the old guard. Elordi, at 28, embodies the new wave: unfiltered, social media-savvy, and unafraid to challenge conventions. The moment resonates because it feels authentic—a rare, unscripted interaction in an industry often criticized for its performativity.
Fans have latched onto the clip as a symbol of generational shift. On platforms like Instagram and Twitter, reactions range from laughter to admiration for Elordi’s confidence. Some see it as a nod to the changing power structures in Hollywood, where younger actors are no longer content to simply defer to their elders.
The Del Toro Connection
Elordi’s relationship with Guillermo del Toro adds another layer. The director, known for his mentorship of young talent, has been a vocal supporter of Elordi’s work in Frankenstein. The film’s success—both critically and at the box office—has positioned Elordi as a leading man capable of carrying major projects.
Benicio del Toro, another collaborator of Guillermo’s, was also in the frame. His nomination for One Battle After Another made the moment even more intriguing, given Elordi’s recent win over him at the Critics Choice Awards. The playful tension between the actors underscores the competitive yet camaraderie-driven nature of awards season.
What’s Next for Elordi?
With Wuthering Heights on the horizon and rumors of other high-profile projects, Elordi’s career shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to balance blockbuster appeal with indie credibility makes him a unique figure in modern Hollywood. The AFI moment, while fleeting, serves as a reminder of his growing influence.
For fans, it’s a thrilling time. Elordi’s willingness to embrace both the glamour and the grit of fame—whether through viral moments or transformative roles—keeps him in the spotlight. And if the AFI Awards are any indication, he’s just getting started.
Stay ahead of the curve with onlytrustedinfo.com, where we deliver the fastest, most insightful analysis of entertainment’s biggest moments. From awards season shocks to behind-the-scenes scoops, we’re your definitive source for what’s next in Hollywood.
