A shaken but grateful Timothée Chalamet accepted his first Critics Choice Award, thanking Kylie Jenner and admitting he didn’t expect the win.
Timothée Chalamet may be one of Hollywood’s most in-demand actors, but on Sunday night, he looked anything but confident when his name was announced at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
The Marty Supreme star won Best Actor — his first major trophy of the season — and the surprise was written all over his face. Sitting in the audience, Chalamet leaned over to kiss girlfriend Kylie Jenner before heading to the stage, taking a moment that felt quiet, real, and deeply personal.
Once onstage, the 30-year-old actor didn’t rush his speech. Instead, he paused, breathed, and admitted what many viewers could already tell. “I don’t know if I’ll be up here again,” he said, asking the crowd for patience as he gathered his thoughts. At one point, he laughed at himself, saying he was “more nervous than I thought I’d be.”
That honesty set the tone for the rest of his speech. Chalamet made sure to recognize his fellow nominees, giving a special shoutout to Michael B. Jordan and praising his work in Sinners. He also credited director Josh Safdie for trusting him with a role that meant more than just awards buzz.
“You made a story about dreams without telling people what to think,” Chalamet said, calling the film a rare kind of gift for an actor.
One of the most talked-about moments came when he thanked Jenner, his partner of three years. As the camera cut to her in the crowd, Chalamet kept it simple and heartfelt, saying she was part of his foundation and that he couldn’t do this without her.
The couple arrived after the ceremony had already begun and skipped the red carpet, keeping a low profile despite the attention surrounding them. Still, their presence didn’t go unnoticed — especially after comedians Paul W. Downs and Meg Stalter showed up in outfits nearly identical to what Chalamet and Jenner wore at the Marty Supreme premiere.
The 31st Critics Choice Awards aired live from Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar on E! and USA Network, but Chalamet’s raw, emotional win quickly became one of the night’s most memorable moments.
For a star who’s often seen as effortless, Sunday proved that the pressure — and the gratitude — are very real.
