Timothée Chalamet said the New York Knicks' NBA championship triumph meant more to him than winning an Oscar after the team secured the 2026 NBA title with a Game 5 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The actor, who was among the Knicks' most visible celebrity supporters throughout the play-offs, celebrated courtside as New York ended a 53-year wait for a championship.
Speaking to ESPN moments after the final buzzer, Chalamet declared, "Way rather this than the Oscars! Come on, baby! The Knicks are champions, baby!"
The comments came months after Chalamet missed out on the Academy Award for Best Actor despite entering awards season as a strong favourite. However, the actor appeared unconcerned with that disappointment as he joined players and staff in the aftermath of the Knicks' historic victory.
Locker Room Celebrations
Videos from the locker room showed Chalamet celebrating alongside the team's stars. In one clip, he embraced Knicks captain Jalen Brunson and told him, "You did that bro." before Brunson hugged the actor amid the celebrations.
Another video captured players drenching Chalamet in champagne while chanting "Lisan al-Gaib", a reference to his character Paul Atreides in the Dune films. During the festivities, players also placed a Knicks-themed WWE championship belt over his shoulders.
As the champagne continued to flow, Chalamet was seen rubbing his eyes and joking about the experience. "I'm not an athlete. Usually I have a stunt double do that," he said.
Celebrity Supporters
Chalamet was one of several high-profile Knicks supporters regularly seen during the play-off run, alongside celebrities including Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler and Kylie Jenner.
With Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Three already generating awards discussion, ahead of its release on December 18, Chalamet may yet return to the Oscars conversation.
