Oscar hopefuls Timothée Chalamet and Adam Sandler mixed Hollywood glitz with athletic grit Saturday night at Fairfax High School. Following a candid Q&A on their latest projects, the actors squared off in a pick-up basketball game against two audience members, ultimately losing 3-1. The event highlighted Chalamet’s Best Actor bid for Marty Supreme and Sandler’s supporting role in Jay Kelly. Fans witnessed a blend of humor, storytelling, and on-court competition from two of Hollywood’s most talked-about actors.
Projects and Basketball Scores
Timothée Chalamet, 28, is vying for his second consecutive Best Actor Oscar with Marty Supreme, portraying a young New Yorker on a ping pong odyssey. Adam Sandler, 53, is seeking his first Academy Award nomination for Jay Kelly, where he stars alongside George Clooney in a dramatic tale about the complexities of fame and mentorship.
The actors’ basketball showdown was short but lively. Sandler sank the only basket for their team early, tying the score 1-1, but the duo was defeated by their audience competitors 3-1. Both joked about their struggles on the court, with Sandler noting a decades-long losing streak at the Fairfax gym and Chalamet recalling a high school mishap involving a fence jump.
Quotes and Reactions
Sandler praised Chalamet’s latest performance: “When I watched Marty, I was like, ‘You lucky bastard!’ Every sentence, every scene was fresh and intense.” Chalamet returned the admiration, emphasizing Sandler’s career-long versatility: “I hope for Jay Kelly — they should’ve done it for Uncut Gems. You are one of the best actors.”
The pair also reflected on their history together. They first met on Jason Reitman’s Men, Women & Children (Chalamet was ultimately cut), and bonded over their shared appreciation for Josh Safdie’s filmmaking. Chalamet cited Punch-Drunk Love as an inspiration for Marty Supreme, noting its enduring influence on actors of all ages.
Awards and Public Perception
This public event reinforces Chalamet and Sandler’s status as Oscar contenders while showcasing their relatability to fans. Chalamet’s candid discussion of his acting philosophy positions him as a front-runner for awards season recognition. Sandler’s mix of humor and humility highlights his dual reputation as a comedic icon and dramatic actor, potentially boosting Jay Kelly’s awards momentum.
The playful basketball loss humanizes both stars, offering viral moments for social media and press coverage ahead of nominations announcements. Their engagement with fans bridges generational gaps, with Chalamet appealing to younger audiences and Sandler connecting with long-time filmgoers.
Upcoming Appearances
Chalamet and Sandler are expected at several high-profile awards season events, including the Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe ceremonies in December. Both films will continue their awards campaigns into early 2026, and fans can anticipate additional interviews, press tours, and potential late-night appearances.
Sources:
Netflix Event Coverage
TheWrap
On3 Entertainment
