Timothée Chalamet had the spotlight firmly on him during the 2025 Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2. Nominated for Best Actor for his role as Bob Dylan in the film A Complete Unknown, Chalamet arrived wearing a vibrant yellow outfit, making headlines not just for his potential history-making performance but also for his choice of attire.
Chalamet's fashion statement quickly became the talk of the town, as he donned a unique ensemble created by designer Sarah Burton for Givenchy. This included a cropped double-breasted leather jacket, straight-cut jeans, and a satin shirt. Completing the ensemble, he opted for eye-catching accessories from Cartier, including five distinctive pieces. Among these were a gold Tradition necklace from 1988, two rings from the 2005 Cartier collection, and the standout piece, the Collection mini Baignoire watch from 1994.
The golden accents echoed not only the luxurious world of Hollywood but also symbolically linked to the coveted Oscar statuette itself. With his outfit drawing comparisons to everything from highlighters to popular cartoon characters, Chalamet's daring color choice certainly turned heads on the red carpet.
While the fashion choices during Oscar night typically sway between classic blacks and glittering silvers, Chalamet's bold yellow proved refreshing and disruptive, captivating social media and prompting countless memes. Some fans humorously likened him to Curious George's friend, the man with the yellow hat, highlighting the enthusiastic reactions to his unique and playful style.
Chalamet was not just vying for the title of Best Actor at the Oscars; he was also on the verge of breaking historical records. Had he won, he would have become the youngest actor to ever win the Oscar for Best Actor at the age of 29 years and two months, surpassing the record previously set by Adrien Brody who won at 29 years and 343 days old. There was palpable excitement and anticipation surrounding this possibility, especially since Chalamet's performance had garnered considerable acclaim.
The storyline of A Complete Unknown revolves around Dylan's radical transition during the Newport Folk Festival, marking his evolution from acoustic folk singer to rock icon. Chalamet's embodiment of this complex role has been described as masterful, and he has spent five intense years preparing for this moment. The film itself has been tipped as one of the best of the year, with awards buzz surrounding his performance.
Despite the accumulated buzz and accolades, Chalamet did not win the Oscar, which went to Adrien Brody for his role in The Brutalist. Although this meant he would not break Brody's age record at this time, Chalamet’s nomination alone signified his rising prominence within the industry. Comments from critics suggested he remains one of the young talents to watch.
Beyond competition and accolades, Chalamet's fashion choices have become equally significant. The actor is renowned for his ‘method dressing’—a term coined to describe how he tailors his looks to reflect his character’s essence. For this appearance, his outfit not only aligned with the evening’s spotlight but also echoed his artistic identity.
The extravagant and sophisticated Cartier accessories were the perfect accent to his dramatic attire. The Cartier Collection mini Baignoire, which has historical significance as it was primarily crafted for women, showcased Chalamet's ability to transcend traditional gender norms through fashion. The piece, embellished with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires, is emblematic of luxury and elegance, boldly appropriated by the young actor as he continues to redefine contemporary menswear.
Interestingly, the Baignoire has garnered notable attention for its distinct oval shape, reminiscent of a bathtub, which revolutionized women’s watch design at the time of its creation. Though traditionally feminine, Chalamet’s embrace of the Baignoire symbolizes his defiance of conventional optics and expectations, deftly merging femininity and masculinity.
Chalamet later opted for something more subdued during the post-Oscar celebrations, subtly shifting from his earlier bold aesthetic. The decision to choose softer, minimalist accessories for the after-party may indicate both his comfort and versatility as he promotes his artistic endeavors and personal brand.
Throughout the night, whether on the red carpet or within the Dolby Theatre, Timothée Chalamet embodied the duality of modern celebrity: poised between award-winning talent and fashion provocateur. His fashion choices and garnered reactions encapsulated the essence of this year’s Oscars, highlighting the intersection of performance, identity, and style.
From his audacious yellow attire to the lavish Cartier jewels, Chalamet remains not only one of cinema's promising talents but also its most intriguing fashion icons. Regardless of the awards outcome, his influence on both screen and style continues to resonate across social media and the public consciousness.
Timothée Chalamet’s performance may have concluded without the coveted Oscar, but the mark he made on the 2025 Academy Awards will certainly be remembered for its vibrancy and audacity, as well as for the exciting prospect of what’s to come from this remarkable young actor.