In the lead-up to the 98th Academy Awards, Timothée Chalamet has found himself at the centre of a media storm following comments he made about ballet and opera. The actor, who is also a producer for the Oscar-nominated film *Marty Supreme*, suggested during a discussion that “no one cares about” these art forms. His remarks have drawn significant backlash from performers and critics alike, particularly highlighting the delicate balance between film and classical arts in modern culture.
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Kevin O’Leary, a business mogul and well-known personality from *Shark Tank*, has come forward to defend Chalamet amidst this controversy. Speaking to Variety on the red carpet on 10 January 2026, O’Leary endorsed both Chalamet’s character and talent, asserting that the actor is likely to win the coveted Best Actor award despite the uproar. O’Leary described Chalamet as “a really great guy,” and noted a personal connection to the actor’s family, mentioning that Chalamet’s mother is “really nice.”
The statement in question was made by Chalamet during a media appearance while discussing the challenges Hollywood faces in attracting audiences back to theatres. He remarked, “I don’t want to be working in ballet, or opera, or things where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though like no one cares about this anymore.’” Although he attempted to clarify his statement by acknowledging he was inadvertently disparaging the arts, the damage was already done, and the comments went viral.
Chalamet’s slip-up has not only attracted negative attention but also prompted a debate about the relevance and support of classical arts today. High-profile figures from the artistic community, including the renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli and acclaimed ballerina Misty Copeland, publicly criticised the actor’s remarks. Notably, influential filmmaker Steven Spielberg referenced Chalamet’s comments during a panel at the SXSW Conference and Festival. He emphasised the value of magical moments in ballet and opera, suggesting they deserve the same recognition as cinematic experiences.
Despite the backlash, Kevin O’Leary remains optimistic about Chalamet’s prospects at the Academy Awards. O’Leary stated that he believes the voting for the Oscars likely concluded before the controversy erupted, thus not impacting the outcome. His confidence in Chalamet is evident, as he even jokingly mentioned placing a bet on the actor’s success before making his way to the awards.
Chalamet’s participation in the Oscars is noteworthy as he is up for two nominations this year: one for Best Actor in a Leading Role and another as a producer for *Marty Supreme*, which is in contention for Best Picture. These nominations mark a significant milestone, bringing Chalamet’s total career Oscar nominations to four.
As anticipation surrounds the upcoming award ceremony, the situation regarding Chalamet’s comments serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of differing artistic mediums. The discussion highlights the importance of maintaining appreciation for all forms of art, including ballet and opera, even as the film industry navigates its own challenges in a changing entertainment landscape.
*Marty Supreme*, which features Chalamet alongside O’Leary, has secured nine nominations for this year’s Oscars, underscoring its critical acclaim and popularity. With Chalamet competing against formidable actors such as Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio for the Best Actor award, the results remain uncertain.
As the global audience prepares to tune in to the 98th Academy Awards, airing live on 15 March, it will be intriguing to see how the events unfold around Chalamet’s nominations. While his comments may have stirred controversy, it’s clear that his career continues to flourish, evidenced by his numerous accolades and the fervent support from his colleagues like O’Leary. Regardless of the outcome, the incident stands as a salient example of how words can resonate across the arts, prompting discussions that reach far beyond the initial remarks.