In a scene reminiscent of one of his own film premieres, acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet unexpectedly appeared at a look-alike contest dedicated to him in the bustling heart of Lower Manhattan, New York, on Sunday. What initially started as a playful event quickly escalated into an overwhelming spectacle, attracting a large crowd of enthusiastic fans and curious onlookers. The gathering in Washington Square Park became so crowded that it ultimately required intervention by the New York City Police Department, leading to a dispersal order, a notable fine, and at least one arrest during the chaotic proceedings.
As word spread of the impromptu event, hundreds of eager participants and spectators flooded the iconic park, transforming a simple gathering into a scene charged with excitement and anticipation. Timothée Chalamet, flanked by his formidable bodyguards, made a brief yet electrifying entrance, capturing the attention of both his high-cheeked, curly-haired look-alikes and the assembled crowd. Some participants went all out in their attempts to resemble the Hollywood heartthrob, dressing as his well-known characters from his films “Wonka” and the “Dune” series, which added an extra layer of character and flair to the contest.
However, just as the excitement reached its peak with a red carpet strut reminiscent of a movie premiere, the New York City police deemed the gathering a public disturbance, primarily because the event was held without a proper permit. This resulted in the event organizers receiving a hefty $500 fine for conducting an “unpermitted costume contest,” signaling an abrupt halt to the organized activities. Amidst the confusion, law enforcement took at least one participant into custody, though details surrounding the arrest remain unclear as charges are reportedly pending.
Paige Nguyen, a producer for the popular YouTube personality Anthony Po, who was a key figure behind the organization of the event, commented on the situation, stating, “It started off as a silly joke and now it’s turned into pandemonium.
.” It seems the team did not foresee the extent to which the event would magnify, creditable in part to the extensive circulation of flyers across New York, which promised a modest $50 prize to the winning doppelgänger, and the wide engagement on social media platforms that garnered thousands of RSVPs.
Following the dispersal at the park, the group quickly adapted by relocating to a nearby playground. Here, a more subdued yet spirited continuation of the contest unfolded, allowing over a dozen contestants to compete from a makeshift stage. To whittle down the competition, remaining hopefuls were subjected to a series of unique questions including those probing their proficiency in the French language, their intentions to positively impact the world, and hypothetically, their romantic interests involving famed socialite and beauty mogul Kylie Jenner—a topic of curiosity due to the rumors of Chalamet and Jenner being a couple.
The vibrant competition concluded with the crowning of Miles Mitchell, a 21-year-old from Staten Island, whose portrayal in a striking purple Willy Wonka outfit and his playful act of tossing candies to the audience from a briefcase charmed both the judges and the crowd. Standing next to a comically large check, humorously labeled for “Best Tim,” Mitchell was soon surrounded by fans eager to capture the moment in photos or connect via social media. Reflecting on his victory amidst the whirlwind event, Mitchell expressed, “I’m excited and I’m also overwhelmed. There were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.”
As the sun set over New York City, the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest, despite its unforeseen turn of events and legal entanglements, served as a testament to the actor’s widespread influence and the unique ways in which fans and celebrity culture continue to interact in today’s social media-driven age.
