Timothée Chalamet wins Best Actor at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 for Marty Supreme and delivers a heartfelt tribute to partner Kylie Jenner. Read full highlights, nominees, and speech details.
Timothée Chalamet had one of the most talked-about moments of the Critics Choice Awards 2026 after winning Best Actor—and using his acceptance speech to publicly thank his longtime partner, Kylie Jenner, in a rare and emotional shout-out.
Chalamet, 30, earned the honor for his leading role in Marty Supreme, a film that has steadily gained momentum throughout awards season. Taking the stage at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, the actor began by acknowledging his fellow nominees, his creative team, and director Josh Safdie.
But it was the final moments of his speech that truly captured attention.
A Rare and Heartfelt Tribute to Kylie Jenner
“And lastly, I’ll just say, thank you to my partner of three years,” Chalamet said, directing his words toward Jenner in the audience.
“Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Cameras quickly cut to Jenner, 28, who could be seen mouthing “I love you too,” as the crowd applauded. The couple also shared a brief kiss when Chalamet’s name was announced as the winner—an intimate moment that quickly went viral online.
The pair, known for keeping their relationship largely private, made headlines for the sincerity and warmth of the exchange.
Read also… Critics Choice Awards 2026: Full Winners, Nominations, Highlights & Where to Watch
Strong Competition in the Best Actor Category
Chalamet’s win came from a highly competitive field that included:
- Leonardo DiCaprio
- Joel Edgerton
- Ethan Hawke
- Michael B. Jordan
- Wagner Moura
Winning against such a lineup further cements Chalamet’s status as one of the most respected actors of his generation—and a major contender heading into the Oscars.
Inside Marty Supreme: A Story of Ambition
In Marty Supreme, Chalamet plays a professional table tennis player chasing his dream of winning the 1952 World Championship. The film blends sports drama with personal struggle, focusing on obsession, discipline, and belief.
Speaking previously to IndieWire, Chalamet described the project as deeply personal:
“It’s a movie about the pursuit of a dream. I’m leaving it on the field—whether it’s the merch, the Zooms, or the media appearances. I’m trying to get this out in the biggest way possible, in the spirit of Marty.”
That commitment extended beyond the screen, with Chalamet taking part in one of the most visible promotional campaigns of the season.
A Career Milestone at the Critics Choice Awards
This marks Chalamet’s fourth Critics Choice nomination, following:
- Call Me By Your Name (Best Actor, 2018)
- Beautiful Boy (Best Supporting Actor, 2019)
- A Complete Unknown (Best Actor, 2025)
His 2026 win represents a major career milestone—and adds serious momentum ahead of the Academy Awards.
Where the Ceremony Aired
The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards aired live on E! and USA Network at 7 p.m. ET from Santa Monica. For viewers who missed the broadcast, the show became available to stream the following day on Peacock.
Final Thoughts
Timothée Chalamet’s Best Actor win at the Critics Choice Awards 2026 wasn’t just a celebration of performance—it was a moment of vulnerability, gratitude, and personal pride. With Marty Supreme earning critical acclaim and Chalamet’s awards momentum building, all eyes are now on what could be one of the defining Oscar runs of the year.