PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Timothée Chalamet celebrated a major win at the 37th Annual Palm Springs International Film Awards on Saturday, January 3, with his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, by his side offering quiet but visible support. The 30-year-old actor took home the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award for his role in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, a project that has already generated buzz in Hollywood circles. Jenner, 28, made a stylish appearance at the event held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, opting for a custom orange sequined gown by Ludovic de Saint Sernin that echoed the signature color of Chalamet's movie.
The couple, who have been dating since 2023, kept their arrival low-key, choosing not to walk the red carpet together. Instead, Jenner slipped into the venue and reunited with Chalamet inside, where she was seen cheering enthusiastically as he accepted his award. According to reports from Us Weekly, Jenner's presence added a personal touch to what was otherwise a professional triumph for the actor, highlighting the supportive dynamic in their relationship.
Jenner's outfit drew attention on social media, where she shared selfies on Instagram captioned with four orange heart emojis and the note, “Custom @ludovicdesaintsernin (obvi).” The gown featured criss-cross halter straps, a fitted bodice, and an A-line skirt, all in a beaded orange fabric that matched the aesthetic of Marty Supreme. Chalamet quickly showed his approval in the comments, responding with 13 orange heart emojis, a subtle nod to both the film and his partner's ensemble.
During his acceptance speech, Chalamet expressed deep gratitude to the film's director, Josh Safdie, crediting him for the project's success. “Thank you everyone for being here. This means the most and I feel the strength of the whole community that has my back,” Chalamet said, according to footage shared by Variety. He continued, “Thank you Josh [Safdie], this man’s a genius. This man’s like a true artist here, and … embodies what we all celebrate, truly. What’s coming out of this dude’s mind is unbelievable.”
Chalamet went on to describe Safdie's dedication, noting the extensive time invested in the film. “Josh is the embodiment of an artist that we’re striving to be … passionate, suspicious [and] true to himself to his core. It’s been one of the great gifts of my life that Josh was generous enough to spend six years developing this project, two and a half sleepless months shooting this film, and after that, almost a year toiling away editing as the entire cast and crew moved on,” the actor remarked. His words underscored the collaborative effort behind Marty Supreme, a film that explores themes of ambition and artistry in the world of table tennis, drawing parallels to Chalamet's own rising career.
Addressing the broader audience at the awards ceremony, Chalamet reflected on the film industry's challenges and rewards. “I’m inspired by many great works I saw this year, a lot of great artists,” he said. “At some point I realized the film industry is an institution, great roles aren’t printed on a conveyor belt. Great auteurs and directors don’t fall from a tree, and every day to wake up in good health and have the opportunity to create things for the world… is truly a gift.”
He wrapped up his speech with a poignant message about the value of creative opportunities. “Every film being honored tonight, every artist that got to rub their hands together and say, ‘Time to go to work,’ these are mini miracles. … I’m taking a moment to say, ‘Thank you for the opportunity to work, thank you to everyone for taking the time to be here tonight,’” Chalamet concluded. The remarks resonated with attendees, many of whom are involved in the independent film scene that the Palm Springs awards celebrate annually.
The Palm Springs International Film Awards, held each January, serve as an early indicator of Oscar contenders, often honoring breakout performances and innovative projects. This year's event featured a lineup of high-profile films, with Marty Supreme standing out for its unique blend of sports drama and personal introspection. Chalamet's win positions him as a frontrunner in the awards season, following his recent nominations for other roles that have showcased his versatility as an actor.
Jenner and Chalamet's relationship has remained largely private since it began in 2023, with the couple rarely sharing details publicly. In a November 2025 interview with Vogue, Chalamet addressed questions about his romance with the cosmetics mogul, saying, “I don’t say that with any fear. I just don’t have anything to say.” Despite their discretion, Jenner has made several public appearances alongside Chalamet at key events, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, David di Donatello Awards in Italy, and the premiere of Marty Supreme.
At the Marty Supreme premiere, the pair coordinated their looks in orange Chrome Hearts outfits, a moment that captured media attention for its synchronized style. This pattern of support without overshadowing has been noted by insiders close to the couple. “Timothée is very focused on his career and Kylie loves being on the sidelines cheering him on,” a source told Us Weekly exclusively in January 2025. The insider added, “She loves that he’s in the spotlight more than her. It’s been a breath of fresh air.”
Jenner's role in the relationship appears to complement Chalamet's professional demands, allowing him to prioritize his work while she maintains her own empire in beauty and business. As the founder of Kylie Cosmetics, Jenner has built a brand worth billions, yet she has increasingly stepped back from the public eye to focus on family and personal interests. Her attendance at the Palm Springs event fits this narrative, providing encouragement without dominating the narrative around Chalamet's achievement.
The awards ceremony itself was a glittering affair, drawing stars from across the entertainment industry to the desert oasis of Palm Springs. Established in 1989, the event has grown into a prestigious platform for recognizing excellence in film, often serving as a launchpad for Academy Award campaigns. This year, the focus on international cinema highlighted diverse voices, with Marty Supreme praised for its innovative storytelling directed by Josh Safdie, known for previous works like Uncut Gems.
Chalamet's speech also touched on the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, acknowledging the efforts of the entire cast and crew. While specific details about the plot of Marty Supreme remain under wraps ahead of its release, early screenings have generated positive feedback for Chalamet's portrayal of a driven protagonist. Jenner's choice of orange attire was seen by some observers as a deliberate homage to the film's visual identity, further blurring the lines between personal support and promotional synergy.
Looking ahead, the couple's dynamic could influence how they navigate the intensifying awards season. With Marty Supreme potentially vying for major nominations, Chalamet's win at Palm Springs marks a strong start. Jenner, meanwhile, continues to balance her high-profile life with moments of understated loyalty, as evidenced by her presence at this milestone event.
As Hollywood gears up for the Golden Globes and beyond, events like the Palm Springs awards remind industry watchers of the human elements behind the glamour. For Chalamet and Jenner, their low-key reunion inside the convention center symbolizes a partnership that thrives away from the flashbulbs, even as it occasionally steps into the light.