Timothée Chalamet pushes back on Oscar obsession narrative

Timothée Chalamet has said his desire to win an Academy Award has been misunderstood, insisting his ambition is about supporting films — not personal glory.

The 30-year-old actor, who is nominated for Best Actor at the upcoming Oscars for the sports drama Marty Supreme, said he worries his comments about awards are often taken out of context. 

The nomination marks his third in the category, following earlier nods for Call Me by Your Name and A Complete Unknown.

Speaking during a question-and-answer session at London’s Prince Charles Cinema on Sunday, Chalamet said awards season plays a vital role in keeping films visible.

“Yes, I want to win,” he said. “But I want to give context, because sometimes I feel like I’ve been misinterpreted in my quest. All these award things supplement the movie. Everyone is essentially advertising each other’s work — in the best sense.”

Chalamet stressed that his interest in awards was not rooted in ego, but in sustaining the wider film industry. “It feeds into the narrative,” he said. “Everyone’s pursuing it.”

He later clarified his remarks, saying he did not want to appear disconnected from reality. “I don’t want it to be misinterpreted that the world is the way it is and I’m going to bed thinking, ‘I need that Oscar,’” he said. “I’m living on planet Earth.”

The conversation briefly turned personal when director Richard Curtis asked Chalamet about marriage. 

The actor, who is dating Kylie Jenner, laughed off the question, calling it “so personal,” before joking that Curtis was “going to get me in trouble.”