Chalamet’s "Marty Supreme" Performance: Oscar Gold Incoming?

Thescreescore – The early buzz is deafening: Timothée Chalamet may have just delivered the performance of his career in "Marty Supreme." Following its premiere at the New York Film Festival, the Josh Safdie-directed sports comedy is already generating significant Oscar speculation, particularly for Chalamet’s portrayal of fictional table tennis prodigy Marty Mauser. A24 is set to release the film theatrically on Christmas Day 2025.

Initial reactions to "Marty Supreme" are overwhelmingly positive, with many critics singling out Chalamet’s performance as a potential awards season frontrunner. Liam Crowley from thescreescore hailed it as the "best film of the year," praising the film’s manic energy and Chalamet’s "generational charisma."

Variety’s Ramin Setoodeh went even further, declaring it Chalamet’s "best performance yet." While some reviewers noted the film’s frenetic tone might be overwhelming for some, many embraced its unique energy. David Crow described it as "an absolute blast of adrenaline," comparing it favorably to Safdie’s previous hit, "Uncut Gems."

Beyond Chalamet, the supporting cast is also garnering attention. Several viewers, including senior The Hollywood Reporter writer David Canfield, have highlighted Odessa A’zion’s performance as worthy of Oscar consideration. Canfield also reiterated the praise for Chalamet, calling it a "career-best performance," and lauded the film’s "Major, exhilarating filmmaking."

The positive reception to "Marty Supreme" could significantly impact the upcoming awards season, solidifying Chalamet’s position as a leading contender in the Best Actor category. The film’s unique blend of sports biopic and Safdie’s signature manic style sets it apart from its contemporaries. The film is likely to be compared to "The Smashing Machine," directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt.

The comparison to "Uncut Gems" also suggests that "Marty Supreme" could become a cult classic, appealing to audiences seeking unconventional and intense cinematic experiences. With its Christmas Day release alongside "The Testament of Ann Lee," starring Amanda Seyfried, "Marty Supreme" is poised to make a splash and further solidify Chalamet’s status as one of Hollywood’s most exciting talents.