Timothée Chalamet praises Sandler during a spirited joint appearance at Fairfax High School’s gymnasium in Los Angeles on November 15, where both actors gathered to reflect on their careers before an enthusiastic audience of students and fans. The event, dubbed Sandler x Chalamet, showcased a lively exchange of stories and on-stage camaraderie that highlighted the profound respect between Chalamet and Adam Sandler.
Reflecting on Career-Changing Performances
The evening began with a look back at pivotal career moments, including a screening of a key scene from Paul Thomas Anderson’s Punch-Drunk Love. Chalamet spoke openly about how Sandler’s work transformed his perspective on acting, crediting that performance with impacting his own journey as a young actor.
“Seeing you do a role like that, against everything people thought they knew about you—man, it’s one of the most powerful performances ever,”
Chalamet said, directed at Sandler.
“It made me go, ‘This guy is an incredible actor.’ You deserve to be standing there with a golden statue.”
Exchanging Praise and Career Insights
Not to be outdone, Adam Sandler returned the admiration by spotlighting Chalamet’s influence in the film industry.
“What you keep doing for movies and for all of us—it’s unbelievable,”
Sandler shared.
“I can’t wait to see what you do next.”
The conversation between the two actors delved into memorable scenes spanning their filmographies, with discussions about Sandler’s turns in Big Daddy and Uncut Gems, alongside Chalamet’s roles in Call Me By Your Name, Dune: Part Two, and A Complete Unknown. The crowd was also treated to exclusive teasers of their upcoming work—Chalamet’s Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie and set for a Christmas Day debut, and Sandler’s role in Noah Baumbach’s forthcoming Netflix project, Jay Kelly, scheduled for release December 5.
Shared Memories and Lighthearted Moments
During the evening, Sandler recounted a lesser-known connection to Chalamet from earlier in their careers, referencing Jason Reitman’s film Men, Women & Children.
“Jason told me, ‘I’ve got this kid playing the quarterback—he’s incredible,’”
Sandler recalled, underscoring Chalamet’s talent from a young age.
The event was packed with laughter as the pair reminisced about appearances on Saturday Night Live, joked about their mutual love of basketball and guitar, and analyzed each other’s acting choices. The chemistry between the duo resonated throughout the gym, energizing the audience of students and fans alike.
A Surprise Finale
Wrapping up the night, Chalamet and Sandler delighted fans by inviting two lucky attendees onto the court for an impromptu half-court, 2-on-2 basketball game alongside the stars. This playful ending captured the event’s energetic and hopeful spirit, giving everyone a sense of connection with two of Hollywood’s beloved talents.
The Sandler x Chalamet experience not only celebrated mutual respect and career achievements but also underscored the ongoing evolution of both Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet. With major new releases lined up and genuine excitement between the two actors, their fans—and the wider film community—have much to look forward to as both continue to inspire audiences on and off the screen.
