Timothée Chalamet Breaks Marlon Brando's Oscars Record

At 30, Chalamet is the youngest actor since Brando to earn three Best Actor nominations.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Timothée Chalamet has earned his third Best Actor Oscar nomination at just 30 years old, putting him in the same elite company as Marlon Brando. Chalamet's latest nod is for his performance in the hit film "Marty Supreme," cementing his status as the most exciting movie star of the 2020s. With his infectious charm and ambitious self-promotion, Chalamet is drawing comparisons to the legendary Brando for his ability to convey a singular on-screen personality.

Why it matters

Chalamet's record-breaking Oscar milestone solidifies his place as the leading actor of his generation. His rapid rise to stardom and ability to connect with modern audiences through unconventional promotion sets him apart, much like Brando's revolutionary approach to acting transformed Hollywood in the 1950s.

The details

Timothée Chalamet earned his third Best Actor Oscar nomination for his performance in "Marty Supreme," an A24 period drama that has become the production company's biggest hit. This feat puts Chalamet in rare company, as he is now the youngest actor since Marlon Brando to receive three nods in the category. Brando earned his first three Best Actor nominations by age 29, going on to win his first Oscar at 30. Chalamet, who turned 30 in December 2025, has followed a similar trajectory, earning his first nomination at 23 for "Call Me by Your Name" and returning to the lineup in 2025 for "A Complete Unknown" before this year's recognition for "Marty Supreme."

  • Timothée Chalamet turned 30 years old in December 2025.
  • Chalamet earned his first Best Actor Oscar nomination at age 23 for "Call Me by Your Name" in 2018.
  • Chalamet received his second Best Actor nomination in 2025 for "A Complete Unknown."
  • Chalamet's third Best Actor nomination came in 2026 for his performance in "Marty Supreme."

The players

Timothée Chalamet

A 30-year-old actor who is considered the leading star of his generation, known for his infectious charm, ambitious self-promotion, and ability to convey a singular on-screen personality reminiscent of the legendary Marlon Brando.

Marlon Brando

A legendary actor who revolutionized screen acting in the 1950s, earning five Best Actor Oscar nominations by the age of 30 and winning his first award for "On the Waterfront." Brando's muted register and aching vulnerability changed the lives of aspiring actors.

Marty Mauser

The protagonist of "Marty Supreme," Chalamet's latest Oscar-nominated performance, who is described as a hustling, trouble-making ping pong superstar.

Josh Safdie

The director of "Marty Supreme," the A24 period drama that has become the production company's biggest hit and earned Chalamet his third Best Actor Oscar nomination.

Adrien Brody

The record holder for youngest Best Actor winner, who won the Oscar in 2003 at the age of 29.

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What’s next

The Academy Awards ceremony will take place in March 2026, where Timothée Chalamet will be the favorite to win Best Actor for his performance in "Marty Supreme."

The takeaway

Timothée Chalamet's record-breaking Oscar milestone cements his status as the leading actor of his generation, drawing comparisons to the legendary Marlon Brando for his ability to convey a singular on-screen personality and connect with modern audiences through unconventional promotion. His rapid rise to stardom and the success of "Marty Supreme" solidify Chalamet as one of the last movie stars who can sell a film on his name alone.