Timothée Chalamet’s Critics Choice Triumph Marked by a Heartfelt Tribute to Kylie Jenner

The award-winning actor used his Best Actor speech to publicly thank his longtime partner, offering a rare glimpse into the couple’s deeply private relationship.

Timothée Chalamet’s big win at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards came with an emotional moment that quickly became one of the evening’s most talked-about highlights. On Sunday night, the 30-year-old actor took home the Best Actor trophy for his performance in Josh Safdie’s ping-pong thriller Marty Supreme—and used the spotlight to express his love for Kylie Jenner.

While Chalamet has long been celebrated for his thoughtful, often understated public persona, his acceptance speech struck a deeply personal note. After thanking his fellow nominees, his team, and director Josh Safdie, the actor turned his attention to someone he credits as a cornerstone of his life.

“And lastly, I’ll just say, thank you to my partner of three years,” Chalamet said, holding his trophy. “Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The camera immediately cut to Jenner, 28, seated in the audience at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, where the ceremony was held. She responded by mouthing “I love you,” a quiet but powerful exchange that drew warm reactions across the room.

Moments earlier, the couple had shared a tender kiss when Chalamet’s name was announced as the winner. The actor prevailed over a formidable lineup of nominees, including Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent). Chalamet took time at the start of his speech to acknowledge each of them, later admitting, “I’m more nervous than I thought I’d be.”

He went on to praise Josh Safdie for crafting a role that resonated on a deeply human level. “You made a story about a flawed man with a relatable dream, and you didn’t preach to the audience about what’s right and wrong,” Chalamet said. “I think we should all be telling stories like that. Thank you for this dream.”

Chalamet and Jenner have been romantically linked since April 2023. They made their public debut later that year with a much-discussed display of affection at Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour in September, followed by joint appearances at the 2023 U.S. Open, the 2024 Golden Globes, and the Marty Supreme premiere in Los Angeles—where they coordinated in matching orange jumpsuits, a playful nod to the film’s ping-pong theme.

Despite these high-profile outings, the couple has consistently kept the details of their relationship private. In a Vogue profile published in late November, Chalamet declined to discuss Jenner, explaining, “I don’t say that with any fear. I just don’t have anything to say.” Jenner has echoed that sentiment. When asked about Chalamet in August 2024, she responded simply, “Privacy is so important to me in life. It feels so good.”

Both stars bring complex romantic histories to their relationship. Jenner previously dated rapper Travis Scott on and off for six years before their split in January 2023; the former couple shares daughter Stormi and son Aire. Chalamet, meanwhile, has been linked in the past to Lourdes Leon, Taylor Russell, and actress Lily-Rose Depp.

At the Critics Choice Awards, however, none of that mattered. In a room filled with Hollywood’s biggest names, Chalamet’s quiet declaration stood out—not as a grand spectacle, but as a sincere acknowledgment of love, partnership, and support behind the scenes of success.