Timothée Chalamet has experienced the sting of losing at the Oscars twice, and he recently shared candid insights about how nominees cope with such setbacks. The actor was nominated for Best Actor for his roles in Call Me By Your Name and A Complete Unknown, but lost to Gary Oldman and Adrien Brody, respectively.
Just days before the 2025 Oscars, Chalamet accepted the Outstanding Male Actor in a Leading Role award at the SAG Awards for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, underscoring the bittersweet nature of awards season for him.
Inside the Mindset of Award Nominees Who Don’t Win
In an interview with Vogue, Chalamet opened up about the complex feelings actors face when they miss out on major honors. He acknowledged that while some performers handle loss with grace and generosity, many privately feel a deep frustration. He explained that most nominees internally exclaim frustration when losing, irrespective of their outward demeanor.
If there’s five people at an awards show, and four people go home losing, you don’t think those four people are at the restaurant like, ‘D***, we didn’t win’? I’ve been around some deeply generous, no-ego actors, and maybe some of them are going, ‘That was fun.’ But I know for a fact a lot of them are going, ‘F***!’
— Timothée Chalamet, Actor
People can call me a try-hard, and they can say whatever the f***, but I’m the one actually doing it here.
— Timothée Chalamet, Actor
Chalamet’s Rise from TV to Hollywood Stardom
Timothée Chalamet’s acting journey began with modest roles on television shows like Law & Order, Royal Pains, and Homeland. He transitioned to film with appearances in projects such as Interstellar, before skyrocketing to fame starring alongside Armie Hammer in Call Me By Your Name. The film received widespread critical acclaim and secured Chalamet his first Oscar nomination.
He continued building his reputation through acclaimed films including Lady Bird and Little Women, and then starred as Paul Atreides in the blockbuster adaptation of Dune, sharing the screen with Zendaya. Chalamet reprised the role in the sequel and is currently involved in a trilogy expansion, solidifying his status in Hollywood’s leading ranks.
Exploring Key Roles and Recent Projects
Beyond science fiction, Chalamet took on a high-profile role as the iconic Roald Dahl character Willy Wonka, joining the ranks of previous actors Gene Wilder and Johnny Depp who left their mark on that character. His work in A Complete Unknown, a biographical film depicting a young Bob Dylan’s rise in New York’s folk music scene, brought him closer than ever to an Oscar win.
The film’s cast also included Edward Norton portraying folk singer Pete Seeger, adding depth to the story of music’s transformative era in the city.
Near Win at the 2025 Oscars and SAG Award Victory
Chalamet was one of the frontrunners for Best Actor at the 2025 Oscars, competing against Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan. Brody ultimately secured the win for his role in The Brutalist. Despite the loss, Chalamet’s strong showing reflected his growing influence in the industry.
Prior to the Oscars, Chalamet won at the SAG Awards, where his acceptance speech drew attention. He openly expressed his ambition to reach the levels of celebrated actors like Daniel Day-Lewis and Viola Lewis, which garnered some criticism from those who perceived his comments as overly confident.
Determined to Achieve Greatness Despite Setbacks
Although some critics have labeled him a “try-hard,” Chalamet remains unapologetic about his goals and dedication. At 29 years old, he continues to push forward, driven by the desire to one day be counted among the entertainment’s greatest, despite the emotional challenges that accompany awards disappointments.
His openness about the disappointment of not winning the Oscar aims to shed light on the realities faced by many actors, revealing the vulnerability behind Hollywood’s glamorous award seasons and reminding audiences of the passion fueling performers even when they fall short.
