The Santa Barbara International Film Festival (SBIFF) honored Timothée Chalamet with the Arlington Artist of The Year Award on Tuesday, Feb. 11. This award is given annually to an artist who is widely admired and has shown an unparaelled commitment to film and its craft. This year, Chalamet was recognized for his work in the films: “A Complete Unknown” and “Dune: Part 2.”
Chalamet spoke candidly throughout the night about his work and his background.
“I am the product of a public arts education in New York, it’s the truth,” Chalamet said as the audience listened intently.
Born in Manhattan, New York, Chalamet grew up surrounded by the arts. His mother was a broadway performer and dancer, while his father was an editor for the United Nations Children’s Fund. During his high school years he attended LaGuardia high school where he got his first glimpse of a theater production with the play “After Ashley.” His family was encouraging of his involvement in the arts.
“My father would tell me it was the privilege of my life that I wasn’t holding a ball all day,” he said.
During the panel, Chalamet and American Actor Josh Brolin discussed his work, his motivations and what he sees for himself in the future. At one point Brolin asked what advice he had for aspiring young actors.
“Find your superpower and stick with it.” Chalamet said.
Clips and montages from multiple of Chalamets’ films were displayed, one being his fireplace scene from the film “Call Me By Your Name”. Chalamet additionally discussed his work on the film “Beautiful Boy”.
“I guess I’m proud of all my work but I’m really really proud of that movie. I know my time, my effort, my body was left in a good place.”Chalamet said.
When asked about his future in film, Chalamets’ enthusiasm was visible.
“I’m just hungry man,” he said.“I want to keep going.”
When speaking about his journey with rising to success, he detailed how much of it has been shaped by the people around him.
“You’re only as vibrant as your surroundings,” he said. “And I’ve been lucky, in my come up, to be surrounded by deep, passionate and open thinkers.”
In his acceptance speech, he gave thanks to many people, including Matthew Greenfield, David Greenbalm and James Mangold who are all executives from his film “A Complete Unknown”. He gave specific thanks to Roger Durling, the executive director of the SBIFF. He also made sure to mention Bob Dylan in his speech.
“Thank you to the incomparable Bob Dylan, an artist, who left behind a body of work that has come to possess me like the holy spirit,” he said. “As I grow I seek to leave behind a body of work that can do the same for someone else.”
Chalamet ended the night receiving the Arlington Artist of the Year Award prompting a standing ovation from the audience.
