Timothée Chalamet says his unusual press tours are not a marketing gimmick

At a Q&A at the Prince Charles Cinema in London on Sunday, Timothée Chalamet said his recent press appearances are a form of artistic expression, not a publicity strategy.

Chalamet spoke with filmmaker Richard Curtis about his approach to promoting his films, including the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown and this year’s Marty Supreme.

Chalamet said he does not see stunts like turning the Las Vegas Sphere into a ping-pong ball or staging a chaotic Zoom meeting as marketing. He said he views them as ways of expressing himself as an artist. He added that he prefers not to be told what to say or how to act during promotions.

The actor said this style began with A Complete Unknown. That press run included lip-syncing to “Visions of Johanna” on a New York City pier and performing Bob Dylan songs on Saturday Night Live.

Chalamet said he paid more than six figures of his own money to perform music on Saturday Night Live. He said the show’s creator, Lorne Michaels, initially declined his request. Chalamet said he refused to appear unless he could perform, and the show later agreed.

Chalamet said he wants to reach people who do not go to the movies often. He said that Marty Supreme attracted viewers who rarely attend theaters, and that this response mattered to him.

He also spoke about his acting process. Chalamet said he prefers a method-style approach and tries to stay in the tone of a film. He said he avoids performances that feel overly planned.

Chalamet is again nominated for a best actor Oscar for Marty Supreme. Last year, he lost to Adrien Brody for The Brutalist. When asked if he wants to win, Chalamet said yes, but added that awards help support films rather than define his goals. He said awards shows promote many projects at once.

During a lighter moment, Curtis asked Chalamet about marriage. Chalamet declined to answer, saying the question was personal. He is currently dating Kylie Jenner.

At the end of the event, Chalamet was asked how he wants to be remembered. He said his focus is on paying things forward and inspiring others. He cited the late designer Virgil Abloh and said he feels he is living a dream he once had as a teenager.

Chalamet said he hopes his work shows others that it is possible to succeed despite difficult circumstances.