During a recent Q&A event for the film Marty Supreme, Robert Downey Jr., who won the supporting actor Oscar in 2024 for Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, praised Timothée Chalamet as a leading talent in the industry. Downey declared the 30-year-old actor “one of the greats,” lending significant momentum to Chalamet’s Oscar campaign.
Robert Downey Jr. Endorses Chalamet’s Rising Stardom
In the discussion moderated by Downey, the actor reflected on the pursuit of greatness in Hollywood, recalling his own experiences at the same age as Chalamet.
“You’ve talked a lot lately about this,”
Downey began, addressing Chalamet’s aspirations. He described a past moment when he sought validation from director Norman Jewison during the making of Only You, only to be met with skepticism about his greatness. However, Downey confidently stated to the audience,
“as of ‘Marty Supreme,’ it no longer remains to be seen. Let’s hear it for, Timothée Chalamet.”
Chalamet’s Open Ambition to Join the Ranks of Legendary Performers
Chalamet has made no secret of his desire to be recognized among the finest actors of his generation, a message he expressed during his acceptance speech at the 2025 SAG Awards, where he won best actor for portraying Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. He emphasized in his speech,
“I can’t downplay the significance of this award, because it means the most to me.”
He candidly shared his ambition, stating,
“I’m really in pursuit of greatness… I want to be one of the greats. I am inspired by the greats.”
He referenced icons across acting and sports, naming Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Viola Davis, Michael Jordan, and Michael Phelps as sources of inspiration. To him, the award was fuel “to keep going.”
Momentum Builds for Chalamet’s Oscar Contention
With Marty Supreme, Timothée Chalamet stands as a strong contender for the best actor Oscar. The film has already earned him significant accolades, including Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe awards, a SAG nomination, and a place on the BAFTA longlist. Despite these honors, Chalamet’s promotional tour drew mixed reactions in Hollywood due to his candid and sometimes provocative interviews. In one notable instance, Chalamet declared that Marty Supreme represents his finest acting achievement yet after years of acclaimed performances.
“I don’t want people to take it for granted. I don’t want to take it for granted. This is really some top-level shit,”
he remarked.
In another high-profile interview on Good Morning America, Chalamet hinted at his confidence in the film’s future success. He stated,
“I want the movie to succeed. I want everything to win,”
adding,
“I’m confident I know what it’s gonna be by next summer,”
a comment interpreted by many as a subtle forecast of his Oscar win.
Box Office Success Reinforces Chalamet’s Leading Status
The success of Marty Supreme at the global box office, approaching the $100 million milestone, has strengthened Chalamet’s position as a frontrunner for top honors during the Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March. His confident presence during the season, combined with critical and commercial approval, positions him as a key figure to watch.
Upcoming Projects and Friendly Rivalries in December Releases
Looking beyond the Oscar season, Timothée Chalamet is slated to embark on a worldwide press tour for Denis Villeneuve’s Dune: Part Three, eying its December 18 release. Coincidentally, Robert Downey Jr. will also have a major film debut on the same day with Avengers: Doomsday. At the Q&A, Downey joked about their shared release date, humorously dubbing it “Dunesday” and quipped,
“We’ll see if we’re still friends by then.”
Industry and Fan Reactions to the Q&A and Praise
The Q&A session, moderated by Downey for Marty Supreme, quickly drew attention on social platforms. Movie critic Scott Mantz tweeted his amazement:
“WOW!! At the end of the incredible Q&A he moderated for ‘MARTY SUPREME,’ ROBERT DOWNEY JR gave TIMOTHEE CHALAMET an AMAZING COMPLIMENT!”
This public endorsement adds a heartfelt layer of respect and confidence from a seasoned Oscar winner to the rising star.
Timothée Chalamet says he’s given “top-of-the-line performances” these last “seven, eight years”: “I don’t want people to take it for granted. I don’t want to take it for granted. This is really some top-level shit”
byu/AggressiveRepair5 inFauxmoi
WOW!! At the end of the incredible Q&A he moderated for “MARTY SUPREME,” ROBERT DOWNEY JR gave TIMOTHEE CHALAMET an AMAZING COMPLIMENT! pic.twitter.com/tLED2mtfnW
— Scott Mantz 🖖 (@MovieMantz) January 15, 2026
