If Timothee Chalamet finds himself missing out on the coveted Best Actor Oscar for his role in “Marty Supreme” tonight, he might have to look no further than his own high-profile public appearances to understand why. He’s become a familiar face on nearly every red carpet event and Hollywood gathering, often in the company of his equally famous girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
The actor has been tirelessly promoting his latest film, a 1950s-themed ping-pong drama, with a zeal comparable to Meghan Markle launching a new jam line. This relentless visibility has some critics feeling that Chalamet, once considered an edgy and innovative performer, might be losing his unique luster, overshadowed by what some perceive as superficial antics and self-promotional tactics.
Chalamet’s once-golden reputation seems to have dulled, with some fans and industry insiders speculating that his ego might be as inflated as the rumored enhancements of his partner, Kylie Jenner. This has turned the spotlight from his acting chops to his personal life and public persona, which can be perilous for an artist seeking Oscar gold.
It’s well-known that Oscar nominees should tread carefully with their public statements, keeping them as non-controversial as possible. However, Chalamet’s candidness has occasionally strayed from this guideline. During a town hall conversation with Matthew McConaughey in February, hosted by Variety and CNN, Chalamet didn’t shy away from expressing his disdain for certain art forms.
At the University of Texas event, the 30-year-old “Dune” star provocatively remarked, “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.’” Such comments may endear him to some for his honesty, but they could also alienate others who value these traditional art forms.
‘I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, “Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore,”‘ he said at the event held at the University of Texas.
‘All respect to all the ballet and opera people out there,’ he added before signing off with a ‘comedic’ warbly singing note.
Oh dear, add to the mix the never ending infantile promotional stunts – from a rapping cameo with EsDeeKid to wearing large, orange ping-pong ball masks – it’s all quite a departure for the cultural anthropology graduate once prone to deep musings.
‘I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore,’ he said
The never ending infantile promotional stunts – from a rapping cameo with EsDeeKid to wearing large, orange ping-pong ball masks – are all quite a departure for the cultural anthropology graduate once prone to deep musings
And what to unpick from the outburst that has got so many in a spin? The casual slap down of two art forms with a near collective 1,000-year history.
What about the arrogance that ‘he wouldn’t want to do either,’ rather than any consideration he may not have the talent or the discipline?
Not to mention the surprising lack of respect and solidarity for his fellow performing artists. Incidentally, ballet star Misty Copeland helped to promote Marty Supreme in a joint Instagram post with the film’s official account in November after she was approached by Chalamet.
Yes, Timmy and Kylie may find it awkward when the 43-year-old performs at tonight’s Oscar ceremony, though they’ll no doubt be on their phones while she’s pirouetting.
And what is Chalamet really saying? That any art form that isn’t viral or without a block buster budget is pointless?
I suppose the ‘bigger the better’ mantra is bound to take hold when you’re surrounded by the inflated assets of billionaire Kylie and the extended Kardashian clan.
Posing in matching orange leather ensembles, like a cut price 90s Posh and Becks at the Marty Supreme premiere in December, the odd union continues to chip away at the Chalamet brand.
Predictably, on the cusp of the acting world’s biggest night, the 28-year-old mom of three has ramped up the exposure with a conveniently timed nearly-nude spread in the latest edition of Vanity Fair.
No doubt she’ll be on her usual duties on Oscar night – flashing the flesh and pawing away at Timmy’s bum fluff tache.
Meanwhile, Chalamet has rarely missed an opportunity to remind the Oscar committee of his method-acting-style commitment, from mastering table tennis to that ultimate sacrifice – refusing a butt double in a spanking scene.
Yes, the rear that you see being whacked by a paddle on screen is the very one through which he increasingly talks.
‘I’m not just hawking this to you guys – but this isn’t just a movie sell this is just amazing,’ he droned on the Jimmy Fallon Show back in December while decked out in the film’s branded jacket.
‘Marty Supreme dream big, Marty Supreme Christmas day, if you put your butt in the seat, you won’t regret it, Marty Supreme is the one man. Marty Supreme Christmas day you know.’
Cue the indulgent whoops from the fan faithful.
Posing in matching orange leather ensembles, like a cut price 90s Posh and Becks at the Marty Supreme premiere in December, the odd union continues to chip away at the Chalamet brand
Chalamet has rarely missed an opportunity to remind the Oscar committee of his method-acting-style commitment, from mastering table tennis to that ultimate sacrifice – refusing a butt double in a spanking scene
I’m sure Chalamet believes he’s fated to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Al Pacino and Robert De Niro – men who generally let their talent do the talking rather than running an elevator pitch for their wares.
In truth, for all of Chalamet’s scene-stealing turns in Little Women and Call Me by Your Name, he has never looked more of try-hard pretender especially when set against his notably low-key rival, Michael B Jordan, nominated for playing twins Smoke and Stack in Sinners.
Of course, some will argue that Chalamet’s hard-sell approach is the future of movie marketing, that a film about ping-pong needs to work hard to engage the click bait generation. But that would be too generous a take.
The backlash against him feels broad for good reason – an organic reaction against his entitlement, gimmicks and a force fed publicity blitz that has simply hit the wrong note.
Truth be told, Chalamet has never needed a slice of humble pie more badly. With an Oscar snub he’d be handed his just desserts.
