Timothee Chalamet's Critics Choice Speech Surprises With Viral Michael B. Jordan Message
When Timothee Chalamet stepped onto the stage at the 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards to accept the Best Actor Award for Marty Supreme, he did so in one of the most humble ways in recent memory. Chalamet, who pulled out all the stops during his promotional tour of the A24 film, replicated his character while showcasing unparalleled confidence. However, when he received the nod for the Best Actor Award, Chalamet's response was drastically different from what fans saw during his marketing run for the movie. In fact, the 30-year-old actor's first and primary order of business was to praise his fellow nominees, including Sinners star Michael B. Jordan.
Timothee Chalamet's Message to Michael B. Jordan at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards
After initially needing a moment to take in the scene as he held his first Critics Choice Award, Chalamet's speech began with, "My fellow nominees, Leo [DiCaprio], I'm staring straight at you, man." He proceeded to list the other nominees for the award, but concluded with a message explicitly aimed at Jordan for his performance in Sinners.
"Michael, man, unbelievable," Chalamet said. "I just rewatched 'Sinners', I hadn’t seen the after-credits scene, I’m happy I stuck around the second time."
Timothée Chalamet wins Best Actor for Marty Supreme #CriticsChoiceAwards pic.twitter.com/u7JrRTGZYf
— clubheartbreak (@clubheartbreak) January 5, 2026
Chalamet faced an impressive list of opponents for the 2026 Critics Choice Award for Best Actor. However, Jordan's performance in Sinners, along with DiCaprio's in One Battle After Another, was unquestionably impressive, and both movies earned high praise.
Here is a look at the list of nominees for the Best Actor Award at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards:
- Timothee Chalamet - Marty Supreme
- Leonardo DiCaprio - One Battle After Another
- Joel Edgerton - Train Dreams
- Michael B. Jordan - Sinners
- Ethan Hawke - Blue Moon
- Wagner Moura - The Secret Agent
The critically acclaimed film Marty Supreme, released on Christmas Day, immediately gained traction for major awards. Chalamet's performance was highly praised by critics and audiences alike.
Marty Supreme boasts a "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, along with a score of 94 percent based on 265 critics' reviews. The Josh Safdie-directed film also received a "Metacritic Must-See" label from Metacritic, along with a score of 89 based on 57 critics' ratings.
Chalamet Gets Best Actor Nod for 'Marty Supreme', but DiCaprio and Jordan Also Shine
While Chalamet pulled off what some might consider an upset over DiCaprio and Jordan, all three performances were widely viewed as exceptional. And while it was the Marty Supreme star who emerged victorious for the Best Actor Award at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, One Battle After Another and Sinners also received their well-deserved moments.
DiCaprio led the way for the Paul Thomas Anderson hit film, which won the award for Best Picture. Anderson also took home the hardware for Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another.
As for Sinners, it emerged with four Critics Choice Awards on the night, including the Best Original Score and Best Cast and Ensemble. The Ryan Coogler-directed film also won the award for Best Original Screenplay, while actor Miles Caton was named the Best Young Actor/Actress.
Related: 'Genuinely Gobsmacked:' Why People Are Losing It Over Timothee Chalamet's 'Marty Supreme'