A Major Win for Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet took home the Best Actor award at the 31st Critics Choice Awards on January 4, 2026. The ceremony took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, celebrating top film and television work from 2025. Timothée Chalamet earned the award for his performance in Marty Supreme, a film about a driven table tennis player striving for greatness in the 1950s.
His win placed him ahead of notable competitors including Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Michael B. Jordan, Ethan Hawke, and Wagner Moura. This victory positions him as a strong contender for awards season ahead.
Acceptance Speech Highlights
When Timothée Chalamet stepped to the stage, he spoke with genuine emotion. He thanked the other nominees, acknowledging their talent and the years he has shared in the acting community.
He also praised Marty Supreme’s director, Josh Safdie, as well as the cast and crew who supported the project. This award marks a significant moment in Chalamet’s career and reflects critics’ appreciation for his work in the film.
A Personal Moment on Stage
Many viewers remember his speech for a personal touch. Timothée Chalamet publicly thanked his partner of three years, Kylie Jenner, calling her his “foundation” and saying, “I love you. I couldn’t do this without you.” That moment stood out because it was one of the rare times the actor expressed such affection so openly at a major awards show.
Chanel’s words resonated with the audience, and cameras showed Jenner smiling and mouthing “I love you” back from the crowd. The pair even shared a brief kiss after his name was announced as the winner.
Jenner’s Presence and Style
The event was graced by Kylie Jenner, who was there to support Timothée Chalamet and managed to get the limelight on her. The vintage dress she wore was remarkable, combining the elegance of past fashion with a modern touch and attracting many gazes on the carpet. Besides, her being there was like putting a cherry on top and the spotlight was shared with one of the most powerful couples in Hollywood, who represented both cinema and the fashion of their stars.
Awards Night Context
This year’s Critics Choice Awards were hosted by Chelsea Handler and broadcast live on E! and USA Network. The night included major wins beyond Chalamet’s Best Actor honor. One Battle After Another took Best Picture and Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, while Sinners and Frankenstein also earned multiple awards across categories. Television winners included Adolescence, The Pitt, and The Studio. New award categories were introduced, such as Best Variety Series, Best Stunt Design, and Best Sound.
Impact on Awards Season
Timothée Chalamet victory is seen as an early indicator in the broader awards race this season. Critics Choice Awards often serve as a guidepost for what might follow at the Golden Globes and Academy Awards. His win, especially over a competitive field, strengthens his standing as one of the leading actors of this year.
Conclusion
Timothée Chalamet’s Critics Choice victory not only brought him artistic acknowledgment but also a touching personal moment. The triumph for Marty Supreme endorsed his membership in the arena of the most gifted actors of the current Hollywood generation.
The choice to acknowledge Kylie Jenner in his speech caused a stir and brought to light an unforgettable incident of the night. Their joint appearance at this prestigious venue was a clear indication of both his professional success and a big personal jubilation.
