The 31st annual Critics Choice Awards, held on a crisp January evening in Santa Monica, California, was always expected to be a night of high drama and cinematic celebration. However, the most talked-about moment didn’t come from a film clip or a comedy bit by fourth-time host Chelsea Handler; it came from the podium during one of the night’s most prestigious presentations. When Timothée Chalamet took the stage to accept the trophy for Best Actor for his transformative performance in Marty Supreme, he didn’t just thank his director or his agents. Instead, he chose the global stage to finally pull back the curtain on one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized and private romances, confirming a three-year relationship with Kylie Cosmetics mogul Kylie Jenner.
The atmosphere inside the Barker Hangar was electric as Chalamet’s name was announced, beating out a formidable field of nominees that included industry titans like Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon. As the 30-year-old actor reached the microphone, he appeared visibly moved, taking a moment to compose himself before addressing the star-studded audience. After the standard professional acknowledgments, Chalamet turned his attention to his personal life with a level of candor he has historically avoided.
“Lastly, I’ll just say thank you to my partner of three years,” Chalamet said, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “Thank you for our foundation.” The revelation sent a ripple through the room and across social media instantly. While rumors of the pair’s involvement have circulated for years, this was the first time Chalamet had used the word "partner" or provided a specific duration for their relationship. He didn’t stop there, however. In a rare public display of affection, he looked directly toward the section where the Jenner-Kardashian family was seated and added, “I love you. I couldn’t do this without you.”
The camera quickly cut to Kylie Jenner, the reality star and business powerhouse, who was seen beaming with pride. In a moment captured by fans and telecast cameras alike, she was seen clearly mouthing the words “I love you” back to him, her eyes glistening under the ballroom lights. The exchange marked a definitive turning point for a couple that has spent the better part of three years navigating the treacherous waters of A-list fame while attempting to maintain a semblance of privacy.
By specifying a three-year timeline, Chalamet effectively solved a chronological puzzle that has fascinated fans since early 2023. The math points directly back to January 2023, confirming long-held suspicions that their spark first ignited during Paris Fashion Week. It was there, at the Jean Paul Gaultier show, that a viral video first emerged showing the two sharing a laugh and a brief, flirtatious conversation. At the time, many dismissed the interaction as a mere celebrity crossover, but Chalamet’s speech confirms that the encounter was the beginning of a deep-seated "foundation."
The journey from that fashion show to the Critics Choice stage has been one of gradual revelation. In April 2023, reports began to surface that the two were "hanging out" following Jenner’s high-profile split from rapper Travis Scott. By September of that year, the couple chose the US Open as the venue for their first major public outing, where they were photographed sharing several candid, PDA-filled moments in the stands. Despite the photographers’ frenzy, both remained tight-lipped in the press.
In the years that followed, the couple mastered the art of being "semi-public." They made their formal red carpet debut in May 2025 at the 70th David Di Donatello Awards in Rome, an event where Chalamet was honored for his contributions to international cinema. Jenner also stood by his side during the high-stakes world premiere of Marty Supreme in October 2025, though they often opted for separate arrivals to keep the focus on the work.
This newfound openness stands in stark contrast to Chalamet’s previous comments regarding his personal life. As recently as November 2025, in a cover story for Vogue, the actor was adamant about maintaining a boundary between his professional persona and his private heart. When asked about the romance that had become a staple of tabloid headlines, he told the magazine, “I don’t say that with any fear. I just don’t have anything to say.” His decision to break that silence at the Critics Choice Awards suggests that the relationship has reached a level of maturity and stability where he no longer feels the need to hide it.
The significance of the win itself cannot be overstated. Marty Supreme, the A24 production directed by Josh Safdie, has been hailed as a career-best for Chalamet. Playing a professional ping-pong player in a stylized, fast-paced narrative, Chalamet showcased a range that many critics believe has solidified his place as the leading actor of his generation. The film’s success was a recurring theme throughout the night, though it ultimately lost the Best Picture trophy to the epic drama One Battle After Another.
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards proved to be a night of both expected victories and major upsets. While Chalamet took the top acting prize for men, Jessie Buckley was honored as Best Actress for her haunting work in Hamnet. The supporting categories saw Jacob Elordi win for his role in Frankenstein and Amy Madigan take home the trophy for Weapons. In the directorial category, Paul Thomas Anderson was recognized for his masterful hand behind One Battle After Another, which also swept several technical categories.
On the television side, the HBO Max drama The Pitt emerged as a dominant force, securing Best Drama Series and acting wins for Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa. Apple TV’s The Studio found success in the comedy categories, with Seth Rogen winning Best Actor in a Comedy Series. Meanwhile, the limited series categories were dominated by Netflix’s Adolescence, which earned wins for both Stephen Graham and Owen Cooper.
Despite the breadth of talent in the room, the narrative of the night remained tethered to the "Chalamet-Jenner" confirmation. Industry insiders suggest that Chalamet’s public declaration is a strategic move as he enters a new phase of his career, one where he is as much a pillar of the Hollywood establishment as he is an indie darling. For Jenner, the relationship marks a departure from the more tumultuous, highly-publicized romances of her youth, aligning her with the prestige and artistic circles of the film industry.
As the ceremony concluded and the stars headed to the various after-parties scattered across Los Angeles, the conversation stayed on the "foundation" Chalamet mentioned. In a world of fleeting digital romances and PR-constructed couples, the revelation that the pair has been quietly building a life together for three years offered a rare glimpse into a genuine Hollywood partnership. Chalamet’s speech wasn’t just an acceptance of an award; it was an acceptance of his reality as one half of a modern power couple.
The Critics Choice Awards have always served as a crucial bellwether for the Academy Awards, and with this win, Chalamet has firmly positioned himself as the frontrunner for the Oscar. However, regardless of what happens on that stage in March, he has already made his most important statement of the season. By thanking his partner and declaring his love, Timothée Chalamet ensured that the 31st annual Critics Choice Awards would be remembered not just for the films it honored, but for the love story it finally authenticated.
