Claim: Leonardo DiCaprio is an actor.

The Great Gatsby is a 2013 Australian-American period drama film based on F. Scott Fitzgerald 's 1925 novel of the same name . The film was co-written and directed by Baz Luhrmann and stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the eponymous Jay Gatsby , with Tobey Maguire , Carey Mulligan , Joel Edgerton and Elizabeth Debicki in supporting roles . Production began in 2011 and took place in Australia , with $ 105 million budget . The film follows the life and times of millionaire Jay Gatsby and his neighbor Nick -LRB- Maguire -RRB- , who recounts his encounter with Gatsby at the height of the Roaring Twenties in New York state .   The film polarized critics , receiving both praise and criticism for its acting performances , soundtrack , visual style , and direction . Audiences responded much more positively , and F. Scott Fitzgerald 's granddaughter praised the film , stating `` Scott would have been proud . '' As of 2016 , it is Baz Luhrmann 's highest-grossing film , having earned over $ 350 million worldwide . At the 86th Academy Awards , the film won in both of its nominated categories : Best Production Design and Best Costume Design .