It’s the moment pop culture historians—and arguably, data analysts—have been waiting for. On Sunday night, at the 2026 BAFTAs, Hollywood legend Leonardo DiCaprio stepped onto the red carpet with his girlfriend, Italian supermodel Vittoria Ceretti. But this wasn't just another glamorous appearance. At 27 years old, Ceretti has officially done what Gisele Bündchen, Blake Lively, and Camila Morrone could not: she has successfully surpassed the actor's infamous "under-25" dating cutoff, sending the internet into an absolute tailspin.

The Curse is Lifted: Leo and Vittoria Stun at BAFTAs 2026

For over a decade, the "Leonardo DiCaprio dating rule" has been one of the internet's most consistent theories. The chart-topping actor, now 51, has famously never dated a woman past the age of 25. The pattern was so statistically precise that it spawned viral graphs, Reddit threads, and even academic discussions.

However, that streak officially ended tonight in London. DiCaprio, nominated for his seventh BAFTA for Best Leading Actor, arrived hand-in-hand with Ceretti, who celebrated her 27th birthday back in June 2025. Dressed in a stunning archival gown, Ceretti looked every bit the movie star partner, but it was her age that dominated the conversation. By appearing publicly with her well into her late twenties, DiCaprio has effectively shattered the "Leo's Law" myth that has followed him since the late 90s.

The Viral '25-Year' Chart Just Got Ruined

To understand the magnitude of this moment, you have to look at the history. The DiCaprio 25 year old meme originated from a startlingly accurate line graph tracking the ages of his past girlfriends. Gisele Bündchen? Breakup at 23. Bar Refaeli? Split at 25. Erin Heatherton? 22. The trend seemed undeniable when he split from Camila Morrone in 2022, mere weeks after her 25th birthday.

Fans had braced for a similar fate for Ceretti. When she turned 26 last year, social media platforms were flooded with countdown clocks and jokes about her "expiration date." Yet, here we are in 2026, and the couple appears stronger than ever. This development has forced meme creators to update their spreadsheets. As one viral tweet put it: "The economy is unstable, the climate is changing, but at least we could rely on Leo's dating data. Today, we lost that stability."

Social Media Meltdown: Best Reactions to the 'Age Gap' Plot Twist

Naturally, the celebrity relationship news of the night wasn't who won Best Picture, but the fact that Leo is dating a 27-year-old. X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok erupted with reactions ranging from shock to hilarity.

  • The "Glitch" Theories: One popular user joked, "Leo’s internal software must be glitching. Has anyone tried turning him off and on again? She’s 27!"
  • The Sabrina Carpenter Call-Back: Fans resurrected the viral cake from Sabrina Carpenter’s 25th birthday, which featured a meme of Leo crying, noting that the joke has officially aged poorly.
  • The "Titanic" Math: Another user pointed out, "Vittoria Ceretti was born in 1998. The movie Titanic is actually older than his girlfriend, but she's older than his usual limit. We are in uncharted waters."

Who Is Vittoria Ceretti? The Woman Who Changed the Narrative

Beyond the memes, Vittoria Ceretti is a powerhouse in her own right, which might explain why she’s the exception to the rule. A staple of the fashion industry since she was 14, Ceretti has walked for Chanel, Prada, and Versace, and has graced over 20 Vogue covers worldwide.

Unlike some of DiCaprio's previous flings, Ceretti has maintained a fierce sense of privacy and independence. Sources close to the couple suggest that her maturity and established career have played a significant role in the relationship's longevity. Having met DiCaprio on the festival circuit in 2023, she has navigated the intense spotlight with the grace of a seasoned veteran. Her presence at the BAFTA 2026 red carpet alongside Leo signals that she is not just a passing phase, but a serious partner.

What This Means for Hollywood Dating Trends

Does this mark a permanent shift in Hollywood dating trends? For years, DiCaprio was the poster child for the "age gap" discourse. His willingness to date a woman closer to her 30s than her teens might signal a personal evolution for the 51-year-old actor.

Of course, skeptics remain. Some joke that 27 is the new 25 due to inflation. Others wonder if this is the prelude to an engagement—a concept that seemed impossible for Hollywood's eternal bachelor just a few years ago. Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: on February 22, 2026, Leonardo DiCaprio finally let a girlfriend turn 26, and then 27, without showing her the door. And for the internet, that might just be the biggest twist ending of his career.