At a recent Q&A event for the film Marty Supreme, Robert Downey Jr. acknowledged Timothée Chalamet’s rise to cinematic prominence, validating the younger actor’s ambition toward greatness. The Marvel star emphatically named Chalamet “one of the greats,” marking a significant moment of recognition in Chalamet’s career.
The endorsement resonates strongly as Chalamet has publicly expressed his commitment to becoming one of the great actors of his generation. Downey, reflecting on his own early career experiences, shared a personal anecdote that underscored the rarity of such confidence at a young age.
Downey’s Reflection on Early Ambitions Mirrors Chalamet’s Journey
Robert Downey Jr., now 60, recounted a conversation he had at age 30 with director Norman Jewison during the making of the movie Only You. Working alongside Marisa Tomei on the Amalfi Coast, Downey told Jewison,
“I think I am one of the greats.”
The director responded skeptically, saying,
“Well, Mr. Downey, that remains to be seen.”
In front of the audience at the Marty Supreme event, Downey declared that for Timothée Chalamet,
“it no longer remains to be seen,”
publicly endorsing the younger star’s status as a significant talent in the industry.
Chalamet’s Own Words Reveal His Drive for Greatness
During his acceptance speech at the 2025 SAG Awards, Timothée Chalamet openly shared his desire to attain greatness. After winning Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, he stated,
“I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness.”
Chalamet acknowledged that his goal is rarely spoken about openly in Hollywood, but emphasized his inspiration from the greats who came before him, solidifying his ambitions in the public eye.
‘Marty Supreme’ Breaks Records and Propels Chalamet’s Rising Status
The film Marty Supreme, which stars Chalamet, has been setting box office records since its holiday release. Its latest achievement came when it surpassed Leonardo DiCaprio’s One Battle After Another, finishing the day with an estimated cumulative gross of $72.27 million, according to A24.
Marty Supreme earned Chalamet his first Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe awards, positioning him as a leading contender for Best Actor at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards. This momentum further cements his growing reputation in a competitive acting landscape.
The Impact of Esteemed Recognition on Chalamet’s Career Trajectory
Robert Downey Jr.’s public praise and Chalamet’s award wins mark a significant validation of the actor’s hard work and intent to join the ranks of acting legends. As Chalamet’s projects continue to succeed and gain critical acclaim, this moment may represent a pivotal turning point in his professional journey toward lasting greatness.
With the Oscars approaching, industry watchers are keenly observing whether Chalamet’s performance and accumulation of accolades will culminate in solidifying his status among the very best in the field.
“You’ve talked a lot lately about this,” Downey, 60, said about Chalamet’s great ambitions. “I am literally twice your age. When I was 30, I was making a movie with Norman Jewison.”
– Robert Downey Jr.
“It was called Only You. Me and Marisa Tomei. We were on the Amalfi coast somewhere and I just go to Norman Jewison, you know Moonstruck and all these great movies, I go, ‘Norman, I think I am one of the greats.'”
– Robert Downey Jr.
“I want you to tell me if you agree with that.”
– Robert Downey Jr.
“He looked at me like I was nuts. He said, ‘Well, Mr. Downey, that remains to be seen.’
– Robert Downey Jr.
“And I want to say in front of God and everyone in this audience here with you that as of Marty Supreme, it no longer remains to be seen. Let’s hear it for, Timothée Chalamet,”
– Robert Downey Jr.
“I can’t downplay the significance of this award, because it means the most to me,”
– Timothée Chalamet
“I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I am inspired by the greats,”
– Timothée Chalamet
