Timothée Chalamet Oscar chances have surged following his standout role in Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, with growing momentum for Best Actor at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. The film, which has received praise for its energetic storytelling and a strong box office opening for A24, positions Chalamet among this award season’s leading contenders.
Marty Supreme Propels Timothée Chalamet into the Oscar Spotlight
Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme offers an explosive examination of ambition and chaos through the character Marty Mauser, portrayed by Timothée Chalamet. The story tracks Mauser’s desperate pursuit of table tennis stardom, unraveling his complex mix of charm, vulnerability, and recklessness. This role taps directly into Chalamet’s ability to portray layered, flawed humans striving against the odds.
This performance is widely regarded as Chalamet’s strongest work to date, marking what many believe will be his third Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Chalamet’s previous Academy Award nods for Call Me by Your Name (2018) and A Complete Unknown (2025) reflected his talent, but Marty Supreme highlights new dimensions of his craft. The character of Marty Mauser, whose exterior wit barely conceals desperation, feels almost custom made for Chalamet’s unique presence, setting him apart in the nomination race.
Chalamet’s ability to blend comedic timing with emotional gravity in playing a hustler teetering between triumph and collapse has captured attention. The film leverages his charisma, resulting in a protagonist who is both appealing and sharply individual, encouraging audiences to invest in his journey. Industry observers note that the Academy, having recognized Chalamet twice before, may now be inclined to reward his evolution as a leading actor, especially with Marty Supreme’s critical and commercial success for distributor A24. However, while a nomination seems well within reach, victory is still far from guaranteed as the competition remains intense.
How Chalamet’s Previous Nominations and Competition Shape His Chances
Currently, Chalamet is regarded as a key frontrunner for Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards, thanks to his history with the Academy and the strong showing of Marty Supreme. In the past, Chalamet faced tough matchups—his performance in Call Me by Your Name was eclipsed by Gary Oldman’s transformational role in Darkest Hour, viewed as a career achievement honor. With A Complete Unknown, Chalamet met stiff comparison to Adrian Brody’s powerful turn in The Brutalist, a performance that resonated deeply with voters.
This year, Marty Supreme’s original and dynamic lead character gives Chalamet an edge that distinguishes his Oscar campaign. Reviewers and award analysts believe his chances are bolstered by a narrative that celebrates new talent and rewards those who continually deliver. Success at other award ceremonies could still alter the landscape, but Chalamet’s momentum is hard to ignore.
Chalamet’s leading rivals for the award include Leonardo DiCaprio, who is seen as a contender for his work in One Battle After Another, potentially benefiting from the Academy’s history of honoring actors for their entire body of work. Michael B. Jordan, propelled by his role in Sinners, is also a formidable candidate, especially if his accolades gain traction across other categories. Magner Moura, Ethan Hawke, Joel Edgerton, Dwayne Johnson, Jesse Plemons, and Jeremy Allen White round out a field of notable nominees still in contention. The three-way race between Chalamet, DiCaprio, and Jordan is shaping much of the awards discussion this season.
Why Marty Supreme May Help Chalamet Secure His First Oscar
One strategic advantage for Chalamet is that Marty Supreme, while successful and highly regarded, is not expected to dominate many other Oscar categories, narrowing the Academy’s opportunity to honor the film. His Best Actor campaign could become the single path for the Academy to acknowledge Marty Supreme meaningfully. In contrast, DiCaprio and Jordan’s respective films could attract broader sweeps, potentially dividing the attention of voters.
Another factor in Chalamet’s favor is his status as a rare movie star for the current generation, in a time where such marquee actors are less common. The Academy, known for its interest in shaping the public memory of Hollywood’s talent, might be especially keen to elevate Chalamet by awarding him his first Oscar win. With the season continuing and various ceremonies yet to be held, the outcome is far from certain, but the foundation of support for Chalamet is firmly in place.
Should Marty Supreme maintain box office strength and critical acclaim through the final stretch of the race, Chalamet is likely to retain his position as the favorite. Nevertheless, the volatility of awards season leaves room for an unexpected surge by DiCaprio, Jordan, or any of the other strong contenders. The path to victory at the 98th Academy Awards remains full of suspense, but at this junction, Timothée Chalamet Oscar chances are the highest they have ever been, reflecting his evolution from rising nominee to a potential new standard-bearer for Hollywood excellence.
