Michael B. Jordan’s Poised Response to Chalamet’s Critics’ Choice Triumph
All eyes were on Michael B. Jordan’s reaction as Timothée Chalamet clinched Best Actor at the Critics’ Choice Awards 2026. Discover how Jordan handled the moment and what Chalamet had to say in his speech.
When Timothée Chalamet’s name was read out for Best Actor at the 2026 Critics’ Choice Awards, the spotlight swiftly shifted from the winner to Michael B. Jordan’s response. As Kate Hudson delivered the announcement, Jordan managed a smile and joined in the applause, his composure intact despite a flicker of disappointment. The actor, nominated for his role in Sinners, glanced towards Chalamet, who was seated with Kylie Jenner, before joining in the celebration.
As Chalamet made his way to the stage, the camera lingered on Jordan. There was a touch of melancholy in his expression, a perfectly human reaction in the circumstances. The other nominees—Leonardo DiCaprio (One Battle After Another), Joel Edgerton (Train Dreams), Ethan Hawke (Blue Moon), and Wagner Moura (The Secret Agent)—shared the moment, each handling the outcome in their own way.
Chalamet’s Speech: A Nod to His Peers
Chalamet, after a congratulatory kiss from Jenner and a hug for director Josh Safdie, took to the stage, trophy in hand. He seemed momentarily at a loss for words, the weight of the occasion clearly settling in. Turning to his fellow nominees, he began,
“Leo, staring straight at you, man. Joel, Ethan, we used to do table reads at Labrynth Theatre Group in New York…Wagner, Michael…just rewatched ‘Sinners’…”
He continued, offering thanks to the Marty Supreme team and singling out Safdie, who looked visibly moved. Chalamet then addressed Jordan directly,
“Michael, I love your work, man.”
The gesture did not go unnoticed, adding a touch of camaraderie to the proceedings.
Chalamet rounded off his speech with a heartfelt mention of his long-time partner, saying,
“Lastly, I’ll just say, thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn’t do this without you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Jenner, caught on camera, mouthed her own message of affection in return.
Making History at the Critics’ Choice Awards
Chalamet’s win was not just a personal milestone; it was a record-breaker. At 30, he became the youngest recipient of the Best Actor award in the history of the Critics’ Choice. His performance as Marty Mauser in Marty Supreme had already drawn considerable attention, and this accolade only cemented his standing.
Reflecting on his recent run of recognition, including nods at the Oscars for Call Me by Your Name and A Complete Unknown, Chalamet remarked,
“It’s been great. You know, it’s been awesome. I feel like I’m living in a dream. I’m on top of a fancy hotel in London and talking about a film I’m deeply passionate about.”
With the awards season in full swing, speculation is already mounting over whether Chalamet will add another Oscar nomination to his growing list. For now, though, it’s his graciousness—and that of his fellow nominees—that lingers in the memory.