Why Timothée Chalamet’s SAG Speech Is So Divisive

In what was perhaps one of the most significant moments of the SAG Awards, Timothée Chalamet took home the award for best male actor in a leading role for his performance as Bob Dylan in the biopic-drama A Complete Unknown. The win was Chalamet’s first major award, with the actor making history by becoming the youngest actor ever to win the SAG award for lead actor. In bagging the award, Chalamet surpassed Nicolas Cage’s record from Leaving Las Vegas (1995).

The best actor category has historically been a big-name category, and Chalamet went up against several industry veterans, including Adrien Brody for his performance in The Brutalist, Daniel Craig for his role in Queer, Ralph Fiennes for Conclave and Colman Domingo for Sing Sing. However, despite the significance of Chalamet’s win, the actor has attracted some criticism, not for his win but for the controversial acceptance speech that followed it.

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What Did Timothée Chalamet Say in His Acceptance Speech?

Although seeming genuinely surprised at being named the winner of the category, Chalamet had a short and to-the-point acceptance speech prepared. Exuding self-assurance, Chalamet began his speech by thanking his mother, whom he had brought to the ceremony with him. In a touching gesture, the actor credited his mother’s work at Actors’ Equity for 40 years, drawing the applause of the crowd.

He then went on to pre-warn his audience that he was well aware that “the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role” and how much the award meant to him. However, moving away from the “classiest thing”, Chalamet spoke of the hard work that he poured into playing the “incomparable artist, Mr. Bob Dylan”. After giving his co-stars a shoutout for their work on the film, Chalamet quite boldly admitted that he was “really in pursuit of greatness.” He further added:

“I know people don’t usually talk like that. But I want to be one of the greats, I’m inspired by the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight. I want to be up there”

Chalamet’s bold comments and blatant admission of his dedication to and pursuit of greatness attracted a fair share of controversy. Several social media users have called out the actor for lacking humility and grace in accepting the award. However, despite the controversy, I believe Timothée Chalamet’s acceptance speech was one of, if not the best of the night.

Timothée Chalamet’s Speech Was Honest and Real

Although some share the opinion that Chalamet’s speech was somewhat arrogant and egocentric, the words spoken by Chalamet resonate with many as being real and honest. While it certainly broke the conventional mold of acceptance speeches, Chalamet’s refusal to adopt an approach projecting a sense of fake humility was a welcome, refreshing change.

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In being direct and refusing to downplay the hard work that his career demands, Chalamet attaches a sense of value to his craft. Moreover, the actor’s speech conveys the message that it is okay to be proud of your work, have an ambitious goal, and want to make your mark on the world. After all, is that not what many of us, actors or not, hope to do? However, it must also be acknowledged that each individual is entitled to their own opinion and that, for some, Chalamet’s choice of wording may be pretentious and convey a lack of gratitude.

Timothée Chalamet Stands by His Divisive Speech

Chalamet has refused to backtrack on the sentiments expressed during his acceptance speech. Speaking to Entertainment Tonight after the event, Chalamet spoke of his first attendance at the SAG Awards and how his “table kept inching closer to the front”. He also went on to explain why he said what he did in his acceptance speech, once again conveying a sense of self-awareness but also pride in what he had achieved. While expressing his commitment to promoting A Complete Unknown, Chalamet said:

“I’m really grateful, you know – and that’s why I said what I did in the speech, is because it’s just, I don’t want to shy away from that pride. I know pride is like, a deadly sin and all that, but I’m just so proud of the work I’ve been able to put in. And the opportunity to do it, thanks to James Marigold and the directors I’ve worked with – thanks to outlets like this that help amplify the message, so thank you.”

The 31st Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards is available to stream on Netflix.

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