Timothee Chalamet crashes lookalike contest in New York City
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
The hum of a peaceful New York City afternoon was broken by chaos Sunday as Washington Square Park played host to a viral Timothee Chalamet lookalike competition.
What organizers assumed would be a modest, mostly ironic gathering under the park's arch quickly got out of hand, with thousands packing in to get a glimpse of the competitors who came dressed in their Chalamet-inspired attire.
One lookalike appeared to be arrested and dragged out in handcuffs. The Associated Press reported that police fined organizers $500 for an "unpermitted costume contest." Police didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
"We got kicked out of Washington Square Park," said Tamir Omari, 19, one of the architects of the madness, as he power-walked down the street carrying a giant $50 prize check for the winner. "We could have never anticipated this many people showing up. ... The expectations were that we could have an orderly lookalike contest."
Thousands crowded to catch glimpses of Timothee Chalamet dopplegangers at a lookalike contest held on Sunday in New York City.Whitney Matewe / NBC News; Getty Images; AP
Chalamet, who is filming a project in New York City, made a surprise appearance, according to one of the organizers, causing even more pandemonium as he posed for selfies with attendees and greeted some of the competitors. Some, mouths agape, did double takes as he walked by. Others screamed his name as he cut through the masses, prompting comparisons to a scene in the "Dune" sequel in which people make room for Chalamet's Paul Atreides as he similarly parts a crowd.
Chalamet, 28, who broke into stardom with the 2017 film "Call Me by Your Name," has become one of Gen Z's premier heartthrobs, ushering in an era of love for "soft boys." For months, flyers advertising the competition have decorated the lampposts of New York City. The event became a viral phenomenon online — particularly after one photo appeared to show Chalamet walking past a promotional sign.
Miles Mitchell, left, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest, came dressed as Willy Wonka, whom Chalamet, right played in the film "Wonka."AP; Warner Bros.
Many people sported traits similar to the actor, including his skinny frame and signature long, curly brown hair. Included in the sea of Chalamets were outfits that paid homage to his popular onscreen characters, including Paul Atreides in "Dune," the whimsical chocolate factory owner Willy Wonka in the 2023 remake "Wonka" and musician Bob Dylan in the coming biopic "A Complete Unknown."
"I get catcalled as Timmy," said competitor Dempsey Bobbitt, 19, who came dressed as Wonka. "My friends kept telling me to do this, and I was like, why not? I'm gonna win $50."
As Washington Square Park became overcrowded, the red carpet (yes, a real red carpet) was uprooted and the Timothees began a panicked pilgrimage to a smaller park nearby.
A large circle formed, organizers spoke into a barely functional microphone, and each competitor was introduced and rated by the crowd on his Chalametness.
Some, like those in themed "Dune" and Willy Wonka costumes, drew loud cheers. Others shouted raucous "Booos." Those with mid-tier Timmy qualities debuted to scattered "maybes."
A few fangirls came ready with slips of paper with their phone numbers to hand the lookalikes as they made the rounds presenting their visages.
Contestants gather for the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest in Washington Square Park in New York on Sunday.Stefan Jeremiah / AP
"I really love Timothee. I think he's an amazing actor. I think he's pretty fine, too," said Madeline Berns, 23, a Ph.D. student at Rutgers University.
Berns arrived with a shirt she had made the night before, which read, "If you look like Timothee Chalamet, text me asap."
"I had three different friends send me the flyer. They know I'm a fan," she said. "If anybody knows Timothee, please get in touch with me. I would love to meet him."
Asked whether she gave her number to any of the doppelgangers, Berns pleaded the Fifth.
Overwhelmed organizers had no problem hyping up the Chalamet devotees, some of whom spilled into a nearby play area to seek higher ground (and were promptly kicked out from there, as well).
"It's definitely proving inundating," Omari said.
A giant check for the prize money is held aloft at the contest.Stefan Jeremiah / AP
The final four contestants were asked about their French-speaking skills (Chalamet has French roots) and their romantic intentions with reality star and entrepreneur Kylie Jenner, who is rumored to be Chalamet's real-life girlfriend, according to the AP.
Finally, 21-year-old student Miles Mitchell, who was decked out in a full Wonka getup, seized victory by gaining the most cheers. He was swarmed as he toted his giant trophy and check.
"I feel very overwhelmed," he said. "I can't believe I won, honestly. I was actually shocked that so many people really did look like him."
As he made his victory lap and gave his postgame interviews, Mitchell was informed that the real Chalamet had been in the crowd only minutes earlier.
He gave a nod to the inspiration behind it all and asked reporters to send a message to Chalamet directly: "I'd love to meet you."
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