Could Timothée Chalamet be paddling his way to a Best Actor nomination with Marty Supreme? The early buzz is electric, but here’s where it gets controversial: can a film about a table tennis legend truly dominate awards season? Let’s dive in.
While Benny Safdie and Dwayne Johnson’s The Smashing Machine stumbled at the box office, Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme is making waves ahead of its December release. Starring Timothée Chalamet, the film premiered at the New York Film Festival, leaving audiences and critics buzzing. But is it just hype, or is this the real deal?
First reactions are nothing short of glowing. Diego Andaluz calls it Safdie’s best film yet, a “kinetic odyssey” that blends the energy of Catch Me If You Can with the intensity of Uncut Gems. Chalamet’s performance is being hailed as the “best of his career,” with one viewer declaring it an “unforgettable, awe-inspiring cinematic tour-de-force.” Dancin’ Dan in NYFFland describes it as an “irresistible” ’80s-styled sports movie set in the ’50s, complete with a pulsating score by Daniel Lopatin. Even with a slightly lengthy runtime, the ending is said to make every minute worth it.
But here’s the part most people miss: Marty Supreme isn’t your typical biopic. While inspired by the life of Marty Reisman—a table tennis icon who dominated the sport for decades and authored The Money Player—the film takes creative liberties, crafting a story that’s as much about ambition and ego as it is about sports. Reisman’s legacy is undeniable, but does the film do it justice? That’s where opinions might split.
And this is the part that could spark debate: Is Marty Supreme too chaotic for mainstream audiences? Jason on X describes it as “sweaty, fast, sprawling, funny, tonally deranged, and exasperating,” a film about a “broken person doomed by the ego that built them.” It’s a bold, unapologetic take on a niche subject—but will it resonate beyond the festival circuit?
Chalamet’s potential third Best Actor nomination is no small feat, especially for someone under 30. But with this level of praise, he’s positioning himself as a frontrunner. Josh Safdie’s surprise screening—completed just before the premiere—adds to the film’s mystique, leaving everyone, from attendees to industry insiders, in awe.
So, what do you think? Is Marty Supreme a surefire awards contender, or is it too unconventional to win over voters? And does Chalamet deserve another nod for his performance? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take!
Marty Supreme hits theaters on December 25th. Will you be there?
Source: X (https://x.com/)
