Hollywood Kicks Off Awards Season: Timothée Chalamet Honored at Palm Springs Film Festival with Kylie Jenner’s Support
Palm Springs, California – Hollywood’s awards season officially commenced with a star-studded affair at the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival’s Film Awards Gala on Friday, January 3, 2026. At the heart of the celebration was acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet, who, fresh off his 30th birthday, was honored with the prestigious Spotlight Award for his transformative role in Josh Safdie’s latest cinematic offering, Marty Supreme. Adding a notable layer of star power to the evening, Chalamet was openly supported by his girlfriend, entrepreneur and reality television personality Kylie Jenner, 28, marking a significant public appearance for the couple first romantically linked in 2023.
The gala, a beacon for cinematic excellence, saw Chalamet accept his award for his compelling portrayal of Marty Mauser in the A24-produced film. His character, a determined figure in a dynamic struggle for glory, is reportedly inspired by a real-life Jewish-American table tennis pioneer, adding a rich layer of historical depth to the narrative. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A’zion, Kevin O’Leary, Tyler Okonma (a.k.a. Tyler the Creator), Abel Ferrara, and Fran Drescher.
From the audience, Jenner, radiant in a plunging orange gown, watched intently, frequently cheering for Chalamet. Her public display of affection extended to social media, where Chalamet reciprocated her love with numerous orange heart emojis in the comments section of her Instagram post showcasing her elegant attire. This public interaction further solidified their high-profile relationship.
During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Chalamet lauded his director, Josh Safdie, as a “genius” and “a true artist.” He articulated his profound admiration, stating, “This man to my right here is an embodiment of what we all celebrate, truly. What’s cooking in this man’s mind is unbelievable… Josh is the embodiment of the artist I’m striving every day to become: endless, passionate, suspicious of the way things go. And he’s true to himself to his core.”
Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi had previously underscored the magnitude of Chalamet’s performance in a December 11 statement, proclaiming, “In Marty Supreme, Timothée Chalamet delivers a performance which marks a true milestone in his career… His portrayal of Marty Mauser transforms this narrative into a deeply human story of ambition and longing. This is one of his finest roles to date—and one of the best standout performances of the year, sure to be celebrated throughout the awards season.”
This isn’t Chalamet’s first recognition at the esteemed festival; he also received the Chairman’s Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival gala in 2025, signaling a consistent trajectory of critical acclaim. His early accolades position him as a formidable contender for the upcoming awards circuit.
The Palm Springs International Film Festival gala drew a constellation of stars, with other notable honorees including Miley Cyrus, Rose Byrne, Ethan Hawke, Leonardo DiCaprio, Amanda Seyfried, Adam Sandler, Kate Hudson, and Michael B. Jordan. As the awards season gains momentum, Chalamet is already a key contender, with his name being closely watched for the January 4 Critics Choice Awards and the January 11 Golden Globe Awards. Marty Supreme is currently enjoying a theatrical release, allowing audiences to experience the performance drawing such significant industry praise.
