Chelsea Handler has shared strong views on Timothée Chalamet’s recent press tour. The comedian commented on the actor’s confident promotion for his new film, Marty Supreme. Handler suggested a famous Hollywood star would not act the same way.
The conversation happened on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast with host Amanda Hirsch. They discussed if Chalamet was taking the promotional tour too seriously. Handler agreed that he seemed very focused on winning awards and receiving praise for his acting skills. Her remarks add to existing online discussion about Chalamet’s approach to promoting the sports drama.
What Chelsea Handler Said About the Press Tour
During the podcast episode, host Amanda Hirsch asked Chelsea Handler for her opinion. She wanted to know if Handler thought Timothée Chalamet was taking the press run too seriously. Handler’s response was direct.
“He seemed pretty serious about winning and getting acknowledged for his great acting,” Handler said.
She acknowledged Chalamet’s talent, calling him “a great actor”. However, she explained why his tone was hard for her to accept. “It’s hard to hear someone talk about how great they are at acting,” she stated. The discussion then turned to how other major stars handle their success. Hirsch mentioned Leonardo DiCaprio as her example of a “real movie star”. She noted DiCaprio did not win an Oscar until 2016 for The Revenant, despite a long and celebrated career. Handler strongly agreed with the comparison.
“Leo wouldn’t do that. Leo is a movie star. He wouldn’t talk like that. That’s new. I haven’t heard any actor kind of talk like that,” Handler said.
The Comments That Sparked the Discussion
Chelsea Handler’s criticism refers to specific interviews Timothée Chalamet gave in late 2025. While promoting Marty Supreme, Chalamet made several bold statements about his own performance.
In one interview, he reflected on his recent work. “This is probably my best performance and it’s been like seven, eight years that I feel like I have been handing in really, really committed top of the line performances,” Chalamet said. He explained his reason for speaking so openly. “And it’s important to say it out loud. The discipline and the work ethic I’m bringing to these things. I don’t want people to take it for granted. I don’t want to take it for granted. This is really some top-level s***,” he added.
These comments quickly spread online. Some fans and observers felt the actor was being boastful before the film was widely seen by the public. The video of the interview was later deleted from YouTube.
Chalamet’s Response and Awards Season Success
Following the initial reaction, Timothée Chalamet addressed the comments. In a December 2025 interview with IndieWire, he provided context for his promotional style. He connected his approach directly to the spirit of the film and its main character, real-life table tennis player Marty Reisman.
“This is in the spirit of Marty, and I feel like this is ultimately an original film at a time when original movies aren’t really put out,” Chalamet said. “It’s a movie about the pursuit of a dream. I’m leaving it on the field. Whether it’s the merch or the Zoom or the media appearances, I’m trying to get this out in the biggest way possible. In the spirit of Marty Mauser”.
He further clarified his mindset on The Graham Norton Show, stating he was “in the energy and the tone of the character” after filming. He concluded by saying he is “living in absolute humility”.
Despite the controversy, Chalamet’s performance has received significant award recognition. He won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy on January 11, 2026. Earlier in January, he also won a Critics Choice Award for Best Actor. In his Critics Choice speech, he publicly thanked his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, saying, “I couldn’t do this without you”.
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Handler Also Questioned Chalamet’s Personal Life
The podcast conversation extended beyond Chalamet’s professional comments. Chelsea Handler also shared her thoughts on his relationship with Kylie Jenner. She expressed confusion about the couple’s public dynamic.
Handler, who hosted the Critics Choice Awards, recalled the audience’s reaction when Chalamet thanked Jenner. “I don’t understand what that situation is. Is that a real situation? Are they in love? Are they a couple?” she asked. She specifically questioned his statement about not being able to succeed without Jenner’s support. “Obviously, he could do it without her. I mean, that’s stupid,” Handler said.
Chalamet mentioned Jenner again during his Golden Globe acceptance speech, referring to her as his “partner”. The actor has been in a relationship with the beauty mogul since 2023.
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