Timothée Chalamet Marty Supreme introduces audiences to the wild, vibrant world of Marty Reisman, a real-life table tennis icon whose flair and competitive spirit inspired a new cinematic character. Premiering to rave reviews and awarding Chalamet a Critics’ Choice Award, the film is a contender at the upcoming Golden Globes and Actor Awards, further fueling excitement among fans of both cinema and sports.
Marty Reisman earned fame through both his dazzling play and his unconventional antics, making his story a natural fit for the silver screen. Though Chalamet plays the fictional “Marty Mauser,” the character is steeped in Reisman’s true-life exploits as a hustler, showman, and top-tier athlete who brought swagger to table tennis.
The Real Marty Reisman: From New York Clubs to Global Fame
As a legendary figure who rose from playing in city parks to champion status, Marty Reisman’s life in New York City remains the stuff of table tennis folklore. Matthew Broderick, recalling his memories from visiting Reisman’s Manhattan table tennis parlor, once said:
“He was this legendary ping pong player,”
—Matthew Broderick, Actor
Broderick remembered a tale of Reisman’s famed trick:
“World champion, supposedly could do a trick where he would put a cigarette on the table and he’d hit it with a ping pong ball and it would crack in half.”
—Matthew Broderick, Actor
Director Josh Safdie, who helms Marty Supreme, discovered Reisman’s larger-than-life story after his wife found Reisman’s memoir, The Money Player, at a thrift shop. The director described Reisman’s passion for the game, stating he
“believed in this thing, and had a dream that no one respected.”
—Josh Safdie, Director
Reisman’s journey began as a way to manage his anxiety, teaching himself to play table tennis at Seward Park in New York at age ten. By twelve, he was a fixture hustling at Lawrence’s Broadway Table Tennis Club. Early competition at Lawrence’s inspired Reisman, who wrote:
“When I first arrived at Lawrence’s there were many players who could beat me,”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
“Soon I was able to beat them all.”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
The earnings from late-night matches helped fund his competitive ambitions. At fifteen, he attempted a high-stakes gamble at a national Detroit tournament, inadvertently handing his bet to the head of the U.S. Table Tennis Association, which led to an encounter with law enforcement. Reisman’s showmanship extended to eccentric gestures—he would measure table heights using a $100 bill and delighted in standing out with his trademark hats and colorful attire.
Reisman’s flamboyant personality got under the skin of many officials. Table Tennis Hall of Famer Larry Hodges explained:
“Tournament directors and referees and umpires—they hated Reisman,”
—Larry Hodges, Hall of Famer and Historian
“If the guy says, ‘You can’t wear your hat,’ to him it’s a double win because not only is he gonna get to keep the hat, everyone gets to see him stand up to the referee.”
—Larry Hodges, Hall of Famer and Historian
Achievements and Iconic Moments on and off the Table
Beneath the flair, Reisman was a gifted competitor, winning 22 major finals between 1946 and 2002, including two US Open crowns and the British Open. Marty Supreme takes viewers back to 1952, a pivotal year when the real Reisman competed at the World Table Tennis Championship in Mumbai, only to be bested by Hiroji Satoh of Japan using an innovative foam rubber paddle—an event that left an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Undeterred, Reisman took the consolation prize and eventually amassed five bronze medals at the event over the years, though the gold eluded him. Remarkably, he claimed the United States National Hardbat Championship at age 67 in 1997, retaining a lifelong preference for the old-school hardbat style of play—a testament to his enduring passion for table tennis.
His memoir captured the true delight he found in performance, especially while on tour with the Harlem Globetrotters, where he teamed up with Doug Cartland for a unique blend of comedy and sport. As Reisman reflected:
“was the real reason I decided to make table tennis a lifetime career,”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
“Crowds had risen to their feet and cheered my talent.”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
Even at his own club, Reisman relished in outmaneuvering opponents, often giving them an 18-point head start before dazzling spectators with his ability to turn matches around.
“I took on people in the gladiatorial spirit,”
—Marty Reisman, Player
“Never backed down from a bet.”
—Marty Reisman, Player
For him, no wager was too trivial:
“We’d go out to Columbus, Ohio, for a $50 war bond. I once wasted a trip to Toledo because they said they were giving away a Jeep.”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
The Hustler’s Life: Triumphs and Troubles
Reisman’s exploits were not limited to the ping pong table. After World War II, he found economic opportunity by buying nylon stockings cheaply in the U.S. and selling them in England for a substantial profit, describing it as
“a small beginning for a personal smuggling operation that would grow much larger.”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
Describing the reality faced by professional players, Reisman candidly wrote,
“A player who depended on exhibition fees could starve.”
—Marty Reisman, Memoirist
On Love, Family, and Marty Supreme’s Dramatic Twist
While Marty Supreme amplifies the drama of Marty Mauser’s love life—rendering him entangled with both Rachel Mizler (Odessa A’Zion) and film star Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow)—the real-life Reisman eventually chose domestic stability, marrying Yoshiko Reisman in 1982 and welcoming daughter Debby Reisman. In one of his final interviews, Reisman paid tribute to his wife’s support for his sporting career:
“was very enthusiastic about my game and what I was doing,”
—Marty Reisman, Player
“She was also, strangely enough, my table tennis coach during the course of a match. She lived and died in every shot that I made.”
—Marty Reisman, Player
During a period when his wife was ill, he shared heartfelt gratitude:
“I couldn’t imagine life without her.”
—Marty Reisman, Player
After his passing, Debby Reisman shared her feelings about the film’s worldwide success, saying,
“He would be so happy that he’s worldwide famous now.”
—Debby Reisman, Daughter
Golden Globe Nominations Spark Joy Across the Industry
The film’s impact has resonated well beyond the realm of sports biopics, as seen in its recognition during the 2026 Golden Globe nominations. Other actors and creators joined in the celebration, expressing excitement and gratitude for their own nods and the achievements of their films and peers. Below are the statements from some of this year’s notable nominees:
“Working on this film with Jessie, Chloé, Maggie and the rest of this extraordinary cast and crew has forever changed how and why I want to work, and the kinds of stories I want to make and be part of. It was truly one of the greatest privileges of my life to make Hamnet. Thank you to the Golden Globes for recognising our film.”
—Paul Mescal, Best Supporting Male Actor—Motion Picture
“I am beyond thrilled for the show and Adam to get Global Globe nominations alongside myself. This show and everyone involved is family to me, so I want to thank you for the recognition.”
—Kristen Bell, Best Female Actor—Television—Musical/Comedy
“I am incredibly moved to be recognized by the Golden Globes today for my work as “Aunt Gladys” —Amy Madigan, Best Supporting Female Actor—Motion Picture
“I’m grateful and proud to see the show recognized by the Golden Globes. It’s a joy to work alongside a cast and crew I truly love.”
—Adam Brody, Best Male Actor—Television—Musical/Comedy
“I’m really honored to receive this nomination because I feel like it’s a recognition not only of my work, but of the work of the 250 artists it takes to make hacks what it is. Hacks is about the love you share with the people you make comedy with. I share this equally with every single one of my coworkers who I love dearly.”
—Hannah Einbinder, Best Supporting Female Actor-Television
“Thank you, Golden Globes, and congrats to my SINNERS family! This was by far my most challenging and rewarding performance— bringing to life (and death) two distinct brothers in SINNERS. We are only here because of the brilliance and relentless fearlessness of Ryan Coogler. A decade after we first started working together, Coogler once again pushed us to unlock another level together. This film, built upon layers of complexities, taps into all of our histories. It’s a movie about love and loss, and asks us — what is the price of freedom? By recognizing this film, you are honoring our legacy and the legacy of an industry built on bold, original storytelling. THANK YOU.”
—Michael B. Jordan, Best Male Actor – Motion Picture – Drama
“Making Hamnet was the honor of a lifetime. It’s an experience that will live on in my heart and in my bones. I feel so lucky to have been able to bring Agnes to life in this way alongside such extraordinary artists and friends. Thank you to the Golden Globes voters for seeing our work, and for this recognition, which I share with Chloé, Paul, and Maggie and our entire cast and crew. I am so proud of the work we put into this.”
—Jessie Buckley, Best Female Actor-Motion Picture – Drama
“Thank you to the Golden Globes for this incredible honor. Having the opportunity to bring this character to the screen has been so meaningful, and the film’s exploration of the difficult choices that define us, even when no easy path exists, resonated deeply with me as an actor and as a person. I am very grateful to director Park Chan-wook and the entire cast and crew of NO OTHER CHOICE, and I am thrilled for KPOP DEMON HUNTERS to be recognized as well!”
—Lee Byung-hun, Best Male Actor – Motion Picture – Musical/Comedy
“Thank you to the Golden Globes for this recognition. Frankenstein is a film I have been wanting to make for as long as I can remember, and to have it embraced in this way means so much to me. I am especially thrilled the incredible work of my brothers Oscar, Jacob and Alexandre has been acknowledged today.”
—Guillermo del Toro, Best Director
“I’m so grateful for the recognition Sentimental Value received from the Golden Globes today. These nominations are a testament to the heart and artistry that brought our film to life. I’m proud to share this honor and my warmest congratulations to Stellan, Elle, Inga, Renate, and my dear friend and co-writer Eskil Vogt. We set out to make a film about family, reconciliation and the quiet ways art can heal what may feel broken. Thank you to everyone who has embraced us so warmly.”
—Joachim Trier, Director
“Thank you to the Golden Globes for this incredible honor! I can’t believe my name is listed in such good company, I’m truly in awe. I love this film so much, and all the people who made it, especially Renate, Stellan, Elle, Eskil and Joachim. And I’m thrilled they too were recognized for their incredible work on this film. Thank you to Neon and Mubi for being our wonderful partners. Making Sentimental Value was like a dream come true!”
—Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Best Supporting Female Actor-Motion Picture
“Feeling very grateful for our Bugonia team today, and to the Golden Globes for our nominations. Working on Bugonia was such a wild and completely singular experience, and getting to make it with Jesse, whose nomination is so deserved, was incredible. None of this would exist without Will Tracy’s amazing script, and Yorgos Lanthimos’ visionary direction, brilliant mind and huge heart. I’m so grateful to our entire cast and crew, and to have been lucky enough to be part of this film. Thank you for embracing it.”
—Emma Stone, Best Female Actor-Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy
“My heart is overflowing with excitement and gratitude. Thank you to the Golden Globes for this nomination and for all the love you have shown One Battle After Another. I am eternally grateful to Paul Thomas Anderson for his guidance and friendship; this whole journey is because of him. To my One Battle After Another family, on screen and off, you continuously inspire me. This film has been the gift of a lifetime and I feel so blessed.”
—Chase Infiniti, Best Female Actor-Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy
“It’s really thrilling to have been a part of that awesome show. I loved making that episode with Charlie Brooker, Jessica Rhoades, and all the Black Mirror folks, and Chris Barrett and Luke Taylor did such an amazing job with it. I’m really proud of it!”
—Paul Giamatti, Best Male Actor – Television – Limited Series, Anthology Series or Television Motion Picture
“Playing Grace was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my career. I’m grateful to Marty Scorsese for sharing this story with me and thinking of me for Grace. Thank you to the incomparable poet, Lynne Ramsay, for the care she took with every frame – and to the Golden Globes for this recognition. It’s truly inspiring to be in the company of such great talent.”
—Jennifer Lawrence, Best Female Actor-Motion Picture-Drama
“I am so honored to be nominated amongst this extraordinary group of actresses; I am speechless. Writer and director, Mary Bronstein gave me the opportunity of a lifetime in her movie If I Had Legs I’d Kick You for A24. She trusted me with her deeply personal story. took her EIGHT years to get this singular film made and I share this nomination with her.”
—Rose Byrne, Best Female Actor-Motion Picture-Musical/Comedy
A Look Ahead: Enduring Influence and Upcoming Awards
Marty Supreme’s celebration of Marty Reisman’s legacy not only introduces new audiences to the thrills of table tennis, but also highlights the enduring spirit of self-made legends. As Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal draws fresh acclaim, and Golden Globe buzz continues to build with heartfelt statements from nominees across film and television, the story’s resonance is set to inspire a new generation—underscoring the timeless allure of sportsmanship, showmanship, and relentless ambition. With major awards on the horizon, both Marty Reisman’s myth and the reputation of his fictional counterpart, Marty Mauser, are bound to thrive on both the court and the screen.
