Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet, both known for their on-screen talents, surprised fans during a joint event at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles on Saturday, November 15, by playing a spontaneous pickup basketball game together. The Adam Sandler basketball game drew excitement from attendees, spotlighting the camaraderie between the two actors and their shared connection to fans through both film and sports.
Actors Team Up for Unexpected Basketball Match
After hosting a lively discussion at Vanity Fair Scene Selection, Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet amazed the audience by grabbing a basketball and inviting two students from the crowd to join them in a friendly two-on-two matchup. The energy was high as supporters filled the gym, cheering for their favorite stars. Sandler, 59, and Chalamet, 29, put forth a strong effort in the game, but the local students ultimately prevailed, clinching a 3-1 victory against the actors in an entertaining display of friendly competition.
The sportsmanship on display extended beyond the court, as both Sandler and Chalamet greeted the assembled admirers after the friendly contest. The actors lingered in the gym, exchanging lighthearted words and posing for selfies before departing, leaving a memorable impression on those in attendance.
“I’ve played basketball in this gym many times, and I never do good here,”
Sandler remarked earlier in the evening.
“Thirty-five years I’ve been playing ball here, but I just suck in this gym.”
– Adam Sandler
Revisiting High School Memories at Fairfax
For both Sandler and Chalamet, playing basketball at Fairfax High School evoked memories of their own pasts. Chalamet reflected on his time as a student, recalling one particular evening when he became locked out of the gym and was forced to climb a high fence to reenter.
“It was that scary height of fence where I was, like, ‘Whoa, if I fall, this could be it,’”
Chalamet joked.
This event builds on their existing friendship forged through shared basketball games, including their widely circulated photos in Soho back in July 2023, when they played a 3-on-3 match. Their love for the sport has become part of their public personas, endearing them to fans well beyond the realm of acting.
The Ongoing Bond Between Sandler and Chalamet
The friendship and athletic rivalry between Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet has been longstanding, rooted in mutual respect for each other’s abilities both on and off the court. Sandler reflected on their partnership, emphasizing their enduring rapport.
“I always played a lot of hoop, Chalamet’s a great hooper. He loves playing and we’ve known each other a long time. I’ve known him, maybe, 15 years or something,”
Sandler told Complex.
“Timmy brings it. He’s smooth with the ball. He can shoot, can pass nice, dribbles nice. We call each other, we play hoop whenever we can. If I’m in town and he’s in the same town, we get a hold of each other.”
– Adam Sandler
Cinematic Achievements and Friendly Praise
The same evening was about more than basketball as Sandler and Chalamet discussed their recent film projects with the gathered audience. Chalamet took the stage to promote Marty Supreme, while Sandler continues to seek critical recognition for his performance in Jay Kelly. Their conversation centered on their career journeys, creative experiences, and mutual support.
“I know it’s not about awards, blah, blah, blah. But you should have a golden man in your hand, because you’re one of the best f***ing actors on the planet,”
Chalamet stated, acknowledging Sandler’s lauded performance in Punch Drunk Love. – Timothée Chalamet
The discussion included warm anecdotes from the set of The Meyerowitz Stories, as Sandler recounted how Grace Van Patten, his costar in Noah Baumbach’s film, spoke highly of Chalamet back in 2017.
“She’s like, ‘This kid Timmy is incredible,’”
Sandler recalled.
“You both were in high school, and she said, ‘Everyone talks about Timmy.’”
– Adam Sandler
Chalamet has achieved major accolades, receiving two Oscar nominations for Best Actor—for Call Me by Your Name (2017) and A Complete Unknown (2024). While Sandler has yet to be nominated for an Oscar himself, he received critical praise for his performance in Uncut Gems (2019), fueling speculation about his chances for recognition with Jay Kelly this awards season. Notably, the co-director of Jay Kelly, Josh Safdie, was present at the event, linking the evening’s celebration of film to its competitive energy on the court.
Personal Reflections: Risk, Growth, and Aspiration
The actors candidly discussed the challenges and thrills of their passion projects, both in sports and film. Sandler opened up about stepping outside his comfort zone:
“I’d be scared to do some s*** and feel like I couldn’t do it. Or I’d feel foolish, or maybe I don’t want to be seen like that. But I just dove in.”
– Adam Sandler
Chalamet echoed a similar sentiment, sharing his gratitude for the creative opportunities offered by working with director Josh Safdie.
“Josh gave me this opportunity where I feel empowered to be something I would almost be wary of being in this day and age, which is to be openly aspirational,”
he said.
“I feel like the goal of my life is to focus on this acting thing, the way Marty Mauser is locked in on ping pong.”
– Timothée Chalamet
Event’s Lasting Impact on Fans and the Film Community
The surprise Adam Sandler basketball game at Fairfax High School reflected more than just playful sportsmanship; it deepened the connection between two highly visible actors and their devoted audiences. By blending friendly rivalry, mutual praise, and candid reflections, both Sandler and Chalamet highlighted the importance of staying true to their passions and supporting one another, whether on the court or in the limelight. With their ongoing projects—Marty Supreme and Jay Kelly—both actors are poised to continue capturing the attention of fans and critics alike as they pursue new creative milestones in their careers.
