On November 15, Adam Sandler and Timothée Chalamet appeared together at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, joining a Vanity Fair event that brought together basketball and conversations about their film careers. The event shed light on the current Oscar buzz surrounding both actors, while Chalamet voiced his thoughts on Adam Sandler Oscar recognition and their longstanding friendship.
Sandler has gained critical attention for his performance as the manager to George Clooney’s character in the Netflix drama Jay Kelly, while Chalamet is seen as a likely nominee for his role in the ping-pong-themed film Marty Supreme. Both are firmly in the awards conversation this year, and their presence together on the basketball court and at the discussion panel resonated with fans and industry watchers alike.
Chalamet Praises Sandler’s Career and Oscar-Worthy Roles
During a sit-down interview held in the high school gymnasium, Timothée Chalamet offered strong praise for Sandler’s dramatic range, specifically singling out Sandler’s acclaimed performances in Punch-Drunk Love and Uncut Gems. Despite his decades in Hollywood and notable performances in serious roles, the Happy Gilmore actor has never been nominated for an Academy Award. Many thought he would earn a nomination in 2019 for the Safdie brothers’ thriller Uncut Gems, but the recognition did not materialize.
Chalamet, himself working under Josh Safdie recently for Marty Supreme, spoke candidly at the event. He said,
“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——— actors on the planet,”
Chalamet told Sandler, according to Vanity Fair.
The discussion extended beyond their film achievements, as Chalamet shared updates about wrapping production on Dune: Part Three. He reflected on the personal journey he’s undertaken while working on the sci-fi trilogy, with the third installment set to be released in theaters in 2026.
Longstanding Friendship and Shared Moments Beyond Film
Beyond the Oscar conversation, the event highlighted the friendship between Sandler and Chalamet, who played a game of basketball with fans during the gathering. The pair’s off-screen relationship dates back to when they both worked on Men, Women & Children in 2014, and sightings of them playing basketball together are not unusual for longtime followers.
Their camaraderie has also featured in pop culture moments. At the Golden Globe Awards in January, host Nikki Glaser joked about Chalamet’s name, saying that it
“sounds like something Adam Sandler would say,”
which led to Sandler mimicking the name in his signature comedic style as the Grown Ups star. This lighthearted exchange resurfaced later at the Academy Awards, where Sandler enthusiastically called out to Chalamet, bringing their friendly banter to a wider audience.
Potential Impact and What to Expect in Awards Season
As the Oscars approach, speculation continues around Chalamet and Sandler’s chances for nominations, especially with Sandler’s acclaimed role in Jay Kelly and renewed discussion about Adam Sandler Oscar recognition among industry peers such as Chalamet. Both actors are set for busy months, with Chalamet’s Dune: Part Three already receiving attention ahead of its 2026 release. Their connection, both on and off screen, keeps them in the public eye, with fans eager to see whether Sandler will finally receive long-awaited recognition from the Academy.
