Leonardo DiCaprio wins best actor Oscar

Leonardo DiCaprio has finally won his first Oscar, taking home the best actor gong at this year's Academy Awards.

Leonardo DiCaprio has won his first Oscar for his leading role in revenge movie The Revenant. (AAP)

Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar on Sunday for his leading role in revenge movie The Revenant.

DiCaprio, 41, had been nominated four times previously for an Oscar over a career spanning 25 years. But he was favourite to finally take home the best actor Academy Award this year for his gruelling portrayal of a fur trapper left for dead in an icy wilderness after being mauled by a bear.