At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on January 4, Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme. During his acceptance speech, he made headlines not just for the award but for a heartfelt moment with his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
Chalamet thanked Jenner — whom he’s been publicly with for about three years — calling her his “partner,” expressing deep gratitude and love, and saying he “couldn’t do this without you.” Cameras captured Jenner mouthing “I love you” back to him from the audience, making the moment emotionally resonant for fans and attendees alike.
The “Foundation” Line That Confused Amanda Seyfried
One line in Chalamet’s speech caught extra attention. He said “Thank you for our foundation” when talking about Jenner. The phrasing was poetic but not immediately clear — and it left fellow nominee Amanda Seyfried momentarily puzzled.
Seyfried, who was nominated for Best Actress at the same event, later admitted in an Instagram comment that she initially thought Chalamet was referring to a charity or business “foundation,” not the emotional foundation of their relationship. Her comment — “OH not like a foundation/charity I was curious about that” — quickly went viral with fans sharing their reactions online. The post sparked laughs and discussion, as many viewers empathized with Seyfried’s honest first reaction to the unusual wording.
A Rare Public Expression of Personal Gratitude
Chalamet’s dedication to Jenner was widely discussed because the couple tends to keep their relationship private. While they’ve made some public appearances together at events like award shows and premieres in recent years, heartfelt moments like this are relatively rare from the actor. His speech also included thanks to the Marty Supreme team, fellow nominees, and director Josh Safdie — but it was the intimate exchange with Jenner that dominated social media reactions. Fans reacted warmly to the personal touch, with many praising Chalamet for being open about his love in such a public forum. Some even called the speech tender and sincere, highlighting how candid celebrity acceptance speeches can resonate beyond the awards themselves.
Broader Context of the Event
While Chalamet’s moment stood out, the Critics Choice Awards honored a wide range of talent across film and television categories. Other notable winners echoed the industry’s recognition of standout performances this season.
Why This Still Matters
Celebrity award speeches are often shared widely not just for the accolades but for the stories they tell — especially when they reveal unexpected, human moments. In this case: A heartfelt personal acknowledgment became a talking point. Another actor’s genuine confusion connected with fans online.The speech highlighted the balance between public acclaim and private relationships. All of this shows how one line in a speech can take on a life of its own in today’s social media environment — turning a traditional thank-you into a cultural moment shared around the world.
In the end, Timothée Chalamet’s acceptance speech proved that even a single, heartfelt sentence can resonate far beyond an awards stage. What began as a personal expression of gratitude quickly turned into a widely shared cultural moment, blending sincerity, humor, and public curiosity. Amanda Seyfried’s lighthearted confusion only added to the charm, reminding audiences that unscripted reactions often make these events memorable. Together, the moment highlighted how authenticity in an industry known for polish can feel refreshing and relatable, reinforcing why genuine emotion still captures attention in the spotlight.
