Timothée Chalamet believes Adam Sandler is long overdue for an Oscar.
On Saturday (Nov. 15), Chalamet and Sandler met at Fairfax High School in Los Angeles for a conversation about their films and their shared love of basketball. While looking back on Sandler’s performance in Punch-Drunk Love, Chalamet didn’t hold back on the praise.
“To actors across all ages but really my generation, it’s one of the most important performances—impactful, deeply moving,” Chalamet said, per The Hollywood Reporter. “I think because you’ve ascended to such commercial heights that the people that aren’t really in the know don’t understand how impactful that performance was and how incredibly nuanced and deeply lived in and heartbreaking it is.
“I know it’s not about awards, but you should have a golden man in your hand because you’re one of the best fucking actors,” he added.
Chalamet also opened up about how his own life connects to his lead role in the upcoming film Marty Supreme. He said director Josh Safdie “empowered me to be something I would almost be wary of being in this world and this day and age, which is to be openly aspirational and want to live out your dreams to huge heights.
“I feel like the gift of my life is to focus on this acting thing the way [his character] Marty Mauser is locked in on ping pong,” Chalamet said.
To wrap the event, Chalamet and Sandler teamed up for a surprise two-on-two basketball game against two fans. Even with Sandler’s known court skills — and the pair being spotted playing together in 2023 — they still took the L.
Marty Supreme, which also stars Tyler, the Creator, premiered at the 2025 New York Film Festival on Oct. 6 and hits theaters on Dec. 25, 2025.
