The screening for the movie took place in November where members of the press and award voters were present  . The screening was held in New York. They were impressed with his performance and so he got nominated.

Everyone is hoping that he gets an oscar this time.

For more details

 http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/11/leonardo-dicaprio-the-revenant-oscar

The screening for the movie took place in November where members of the press and award voters were present. The screening was held in New York. They were impressed with his performance and so he got nominated.

For more details see this Vanity Fair article.