In a moment that blended professional triumph with personal romance, actor Timothée Chalamet clinched the coveted Best Actor trophy at the Critics Choice Awards 2026. The young star, honoured for his role in the period sports drama Marty Supreme, used his acceptance speech to make a sweet and public dedication to his long-term girlfriend, reality TV star and beauty mogul Kylie Jenner.
A Heartfelt Tribute to His Partner
After thanking his fellow nominees, his team, and the film's director, Chalamet turned his attention to Jenner, who was visibly emotional in the audience. "Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you," he declared from the stage. The actor added, "I couldn't do this without you." The camera captured Jenner's delighted reaction, smiling broadly with her hands clasped beneath her chin as she silently mouthed "I love you" back to him.
Reports from the event noted that the couple, who have been together since 2023, shared a kiss just moments before Chalamet walked up to accept his award. This public display and dedication effectively put to rest any recent speculation about trouble in their high-profile relationship.
Victory for 'Marty Supreme' and Praise for the Director
Chalamet's winning performance was for his portrayal of Marty Mauser, a Jewish shoe store employee in 1950s New York with an unyielding ambition to become the world's best table tennis player. The film, an A24 release, is loosely inspired by the real-life player Marty Reisman but is also seen as a reflection of the relentless drive shared by Chalamet and the film's director, Josh Safdie.
In his speech, Chalamet reserved special praise for Safdie, who directed, produced, and co-wrote the project. "Josh, you made a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream," the actor stated, highlighting the film's nuanced narrative. "You didn't preach to the audience about what's right and wrong, and I think we should all be telling stories like that. So thank you for this dream."
The film continues to perform strongly at the box office, holding well in its third weekend with an estimated $12.6 million in domestic (US and Canada) receipts, securing the #4 spot on the Top 10 charts.
A Competitive Field of Nominees
The Best Actor category at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards was notably stacked with powerhouse performances. Chalamet's victory was hard-won, triumphing over a formidable list of contenders:
- Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another
- Joel Edgerton for Train Dreams
- Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon
- Michael B. Jordan for Sinners
- Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent
Chalamet acknowledged the strength of his competition, speaking admirably about his connections with fellow actors, shared experiences in New York theatre, and the impressive work they had all delivered.
The night served as a significant milestone for Timothée Chalamet, cementing his status as a leading man of his generation while offering the world a tender glimpse into his enduring relationship with Kylie Jenner.
