Misty Copeland, the retired principal ballerina of American Ballet Theatre, addressed Timothée Chalamet’s recent remarks that “no one cares about” ballet and opera during a March 8 panel discussion in New York. Her response comes amid controversy sparked by the actor, known for starring in the film Marty Supreme, which she had recently helped promote through a joint social media post in late 2025.
Copeland acknowledged that despite Chalamet’s comments dismissing ballet’s contemporary popularity, these art forms hold enduring cultural value that continues to influence other creative fields.
Copeland Highlights Ballet’s Cultural Significance Beyond Popularity
Speaking at the launch event of Aveeno and TOGETHXR’s The Strength Issue, Copeland emphasized that ballet and opera may lack mainstream popularity compared to movies, but this does not diminish their importance in culture. She noted,
“First I have to say that it’s very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting Marty Supreme with respect to my art form,”
reflecting on their prior collaboration.
She further explained,
“But I think that it’s important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that’s not ‘popular’ and a part of pop culture as movies are,”
and added,
“But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enduring relevance in culture.”
The ballerina pointed out that popularity often gets confused with meaningfulness, stating,
“It’s often mistaken when something is popular that it’s meaningful or more impactful.”
Legacy and Impact of Ballet and Opera in the Arts
Copeland underscored the historical significance of ballet and opera, mentioning,
“There’s a reason that the opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years.”
She stressed that increased access and opportunity to these arts can profoundly alter lives.
“That’s the work that I’ve been doing my whole career is to bring more people into it,”
Copeland said, adding that she strives to help communities understand the relevance of ballet and opera, which are reflected broadly across culture.
In direct reference to Chalamet, the ballerina remarked,
“I mean, he wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium,”
emphasizing that each artistic discipline deserves a unique place without being compared against one another.
Upcoming Oscars Appearances for Copeland and Chalamet
Both Misty Copeland and Timothée Chalamet are expected to attend the 2026 Oscars ceremony on March 15 in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre. Copeland will perform during a segment featuring the Oscar-nominated original song I Lied to You by the group Sinners, which includes Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq. This performance will also showcase appearances by Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, Alice Smith, Eric Gales, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, and actresses Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li from Sinners.
Chalamet, nominated for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme, competes alongside Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent).
The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air live on ABC and Hulu starting at 4 p.m. PT.
