Chelsea Handler has expressed her reservations regarding Timothée Chalamet’s enthusiastic promotional efforts for the upcoming film, Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie. During her appearance on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, Handler concurred with host Amanda Hirsch, suggesting that Chalamet appeared to be taking the promotion a bit too seriously while seeking recognition for his performance.
While Handler acknowledged Chalamet’s talent—calling him “a great actor”—she criticized the tone of his promotional messages. “It’s hard to hear someone talk about how great they are at acting,” she remarked, emphasizing the disconnect between Chalamet’s skills and his approach to self-promotion.
Chalamet has been in the spotlight recently for his bold promotional tactics, including making history as the first person to stand atop the Sphere in Las Vegas, which was transformed into a massive ping-pong ball for the film’s promotion. He also caught attention when he appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, accompanied by a group of silent men clad in black body suits and wearing orange ping-pong ball masks.
The actor’s interviews have sparked controversy, particularly a statement he made about Marty Supreme being his best acting role thus far. He claimed to have delivered “top-of-the-line performances” over the last several years and expressed his desire for audiences to appreciate the work that goes into acting. Some fans and critics interpreted this as a sign of entitlement.
Chalamet defended his approach, explaining that his promotional efforts reflect the spirit of the film. He stated, “This is in the spirit of Marty, and I feel like this is ultimately an original film at a time when original movies aren’t really put out,” underscoring his commitment to promoting the film effectively.
Despite facing criticism, Chalamet’s career continues to thrive. He has been nominated for prestigious accolades, such as two Oscars, four Golden Globes, and four BAFTA Awards, and he won a SAG Award for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown earlier this year.
Handler noted a comparison between Chalamet and established actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, with Hirsch pointing out that DiCaprio would likely maintain a more reserved public persona. Handler supported this assertion, emphasizing DiCaprio’s status as a true movie star who refrains from self-aggrandizing commentary.
Marty Supreme depicts the journey of a rising table tennis star, Marty Mauser, as he strives to reach the pinnacle of his sport. The film includes an impressive cast featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, and Fran Drescher.
As award season unfolds, Chalamet is regarded as a strong contender for Best Actor, having already secured wins at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes. His dedication to promoting Marty Supreme, despite controversies surrounding his comments, reflects a passion for his craft and a desire to break through in a competitive industry.