Timothée Chalamet has positioned himself as a leading contender for the Best Actor Oscar this season, thanks to his role in A24’s Marty Supreme. The film’s unexpected rise in awards buzz came after multiple screenings in New York and Los Angeles, where it captivated audiences and critics alike. With a compelling story of a young man’s relentless pursuit of his dream in 1950s America, Marty Supreme has become a standout in a season crowded with strong Oscar hopefuls.
The Film’s Unique Blend of Style and Narrative
Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie in his solo directorial debut, showcases a vivid blend of genres and aesthetic influences. Set in the 1950s yet infused with the kinetic energy of the 1980s, it follows Marty Mauser, a passionate shoe salesman consumed by his obsession with table tennis and determined to become world champion. The film captures the scrappy underdog spirit reminiscent of classic sports dramas like The Karate Kid, paired with an intense filmmaking style similar to The Wolf of Wall Street and Uncut Gems. Its unique combination of comedy, action, and sports drama has drawn attention for defying traditional categorization.
Chalamet’s Historic Oscar Prospects
Coming off his record-setting achievement as the youngest actor with two Best Actor nominations since James Dean, Chalamet’s performance in Marty Supreme could earn him a third nomination, extending his historic trajectory. Should he win, he would become the second-youngest actor to claim the award, following Adrien Brody’s victory for The Pianist at age 29.
The stakes grow higher if Chalamet secures a producer credit on the film, which remains unconfirmed. Such a dual nomination—Best Actor and Best Picture—would make him the youngest ever to achieve this feat, joining an elite group that includes Warren Beatty, Bradley Cooper, and Clint Eastwood. Frances McDormand remains the sole woman to have won both awards in the same year for Nomadland (2020). The last Best Actor nominee also up for Best Picture was Will Smith for King Richard in 2021.
Director Josh Safdie’s Promising Debut
Josh Safdie’s direction marks a significant advancement in his career, stepping out without his brother Benny for the first time. Should Safdie receive a Best Director nomination, he would become the 25th filmmaker honored for their debut feature. The last debut director to be nominated was Emerald Fennell for Promising Young Woman in 2020, who also won Best Original Screenplay. Sam Mendes remains the only debut director to win Best Director, for American Beauty in 1999.
Standout Performances Beyond Chalamet
The cast of Marty Supreme includes notable supporting performances from Gwyneth Paltrow and Odessa A’zion. Paltrow’s role marks her return to Oscar consideration nearly three decades after winning Best Actress for Shakespeare in Love. Alongside other veteran actresses like Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue and Amy Madigan for Weapons, she forms part of a wave of established talents re-entering the awards conversation after many years.
Paltrow’s 28-year gap between nominations would tie her with actresses Sally Field, Angela Bassett, and Jodie Foster, while falling just short of Lynn Redgrave’s 32 years and Helen Hayes’ 39 years between nods. The longest interval on record remains Judd Hirsch’s 42 years.
Crafting a Vintage World with Production Design and Editing
Legendary production designer Jack Fisk, who is nearly 80 years old, may finally receive a long-awaited Oscar recognition for his meticulous recreation of 1950s New York and Tokyo environments in Marty Supreme. Fisk’s previous nominations include projects like There Will Be Blood and Killers of the Flower Moon.
The film’s editing, co-handled by Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie, aligns with a trend of directors editing their own films. This practice recently earned Oscar success for Sean Baker with Anora (2024), who won four individual awards. Past nominees with director-editor credits include Alfonso Cuarón, James Cameron, Chloé Zhao, and the Coen brothers (under the pseudonym Roderick Jaynes).
Unexpected Casting Choices Add to the Film’s Appeal
Marty Supreme features a diverse and unconventional ensemble cast curated by casting director Jennifer Venditti, an Emmy nominee for Euphoria. The lineup includes Odessa A’zion, Tyler, the Creator, Shark Tank host Kevin O’Leary, and former SAG president Fran Drescher. This eclectic mix contributes to the film’s unpredictable but effective dynamic.
Additional Award Prospects from Technical Categories
Other areas where Marty Supreme could earn nominations include costume design by Miyako Bellizzi and the original score by Daniel Lopatin, who reunites with Safdie following their collaboration on Uncut Gems. The film’s sound design also combines period accuracy with Safdie’s signature tension, potentially positioning it for recognition in sound categories.
A24’s Strategic Oscar Campaign Amid Multiple Contenders
A24, the film’s distributor, has a strong track record at the Oscars, notably sweeping the top eight categories in 2022 and earning multiple nominations for films like Past Lives and The Zone of Interest. They are currently supporting several hopeful projects alongside Marty Supreme, including Eva Victor’s Sorry Baby, Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine—which has acting buzz around Dwayne Johnson—and Mary Bronstein’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You featuring Rose Byrne. Other A24 contenders gaining industry attention include Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest, David Freyne’s Eternity, and Harry Lighton’s Pillion.
The Underdog Narrative Resonates Strongly This Awards Season
Marty Supreme tells the story of a determined individual chasing a dream dismissed by others, resonating deeply with the Academy’s historic affection for underdog stories. In a competitive year, this unexpected frontrunner may emerge as the season’s most compelling champion, with Timothée Chalamet, Josh Safdie, and their collaborators poised to make a significant impact on the upcoming Oscars.
