Timothée Chalamet, currently predicted for an Oscar nomination, publicly expressed admiration for Adam Sandler’s work at a Vanity Fair event held at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles on November 15. Both actors, strong contenders in this year’s awards conversation, shared insights into their careers and played basketball with fans as part of the engagement.
Sandler and Chalamet Discuss Their Latest Projects and Oscar Prospects
Adam Sandler is drawing critical attention for his role as a manager in the Netflix drama Jay Kelly, featuring George Clooney in the title role. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet’s performance in the ping-pong movie Marty Supreme is generating significant Oscar buzz. The discussion took place in the Fairfax High School gymnasium, where both actors reflected on their cinematic journeys and recent work.
Chalamet, during the conversation, expressed his belief that Sandler deserves major recognition for his past roles, especially in the films Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems. Despite Sandler’s critically acclaimed portrayal in Uncut Gems—directed by Josh Safdie, who also directed Chalamet in Marty Supreme—he has never received an Academy Award nomination. Sandler’s career trajectory and frequent collaboration with major industry figures like the Safdie brothers were central to their discussion.
“I know it’s not about awards, blah, blah, blah. But you should have a golden man in your hand, because you’re one of the best f—— – actors on the planet,”
– Timothée Chalamet, Actor
Reflections on Growth and Future Projects
Chalamet revealed that he recently finished filming on Dune: Part Three, sharing personal reflections on his journey through the science fiction trilogy. He described how being part of the Dune films has significantly impacted him, saying it has become meaningful and transformative over time, with the next installment scheduled for theater release in 2026.
“moving to me that something as out there”
– Timothée Chalamet, Actor
“taken this personal resonance on for me,”
– Timothée Chalamet, Actor
A Lighthearted Connection and Basketball Game
Beyond their professional exchanges, Chalamet and Sandler entertained attendees by playing basketball with fans at the Vanity Fair event. Their camaraderie dates back to their work on Men, Women & Children in 2014, and they’ve been seen together on the basketball court outside of official events as well.
References to Award Show Humor and Pop Culture Moments
The meeting between Sandler and Chalamet was also a nod to ongoing pop culture jokes that originated from the Golden Globe Awards earlier this year. Host Nikki Glaser joked that Chalamet’s name
“sounds like something Adam Sandler would say,”
inviting Sandler to humorously mimic the name in his signature comedic style. The joke continued at the Academy Awards, with Sandler playfully shouting, “Chalamet!” from the audience during Conan O’Brien’s monologue.
Looking Ahead: Oscar Season and Industry Implications
With both Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet prominent in this year’s Oscar conversation, their public appearance underscores the mutual respect among actors within the industry. The event at Fairfax High School, hosted by Vanity Fair, highlighted not only current frontrunners for Academy Award recognition, but also the lasting influences of past performances and collaborations. As anticipation builds for the 2024 Oscars, the support and camaraderie between established stars like Sandler and rising talents like Chalamet point to a dynamic and evolving awards season.
