A surprising twist unfolded on a vibrant Sunday in Lower Manhattan, where hundreds gathered for a unique celebration of admiration and fandom — a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest. The event turned unexpectedly thrilling when the famed actor himself made a surprise appearance, drawing even more onlookers and culminating in dramatic moments involving the New York Police Department.
The event, orchestrated by YouTube personality Anthony Po and his producer Paige Nguyen, was intended to be a whimsical gathering of Timothée Chalamet enthusiasts, showcasing their uncanny resemblances to the multifaceted star known for roles in films like “Wonka” and the “Dune” series. As the contest commenced in Washington Square Park, participants donned costumes reminiscent of the actor’s iconic roles, flaunting high cheekbones, tousled curls, and a sense of style distinctly Chalamet.
However, as the look-alikes strutted down the makeshift red carpet, the event caught the attention of local authorities who deemed the gathering an “unpermitted costume contest.” Swiftly, the police dispersed the exuberant crowd, enforcing a $500 fine on the organizers. The fun, however, took a serious turn when at least one participant was escorted away in handcuffs under circumstances not immediately disclosed by the police, who noted that charges were pending at the time.
Amidst the commotion, Chalamet, escorted by his team of bodyguards, posed graciously with his look-alikes, etching a memorable moment for the ardent fans. “It started off as a silly joke and now it’s turned pandemonium,” Paige Nguyen remarked, reflecting on how a simple idea transformed into a chaotic yet thrilling spectacle.
The build-up to the contest had created a buzz across social media as flyers promising a $50 prize for the best look-alike circulated widely, inviting throngs of hopefuls eager to claim the modest reward and the glory of resemblance to a Hollywood A-lister. Despite the police intervention, enthusiasm among fans was undeterred.
. The group found a spontaneous venue in a nearby playground to resume their light-hearted competition.
Switching to an impromptu stage, contestants were tested not just on their physical likeness to Chalamet, but also on their charisma and flair, answering quirky questions about their ability to converse in French, their hypothetical global contributions, and even their prospective romantic pursuits — humorously referencing Chalamet’s rumored relationship with Kylie Jenner.
The competition reached its peak with the crowning of Miles Mitchell, a 21-year-old from Staten Island, who charmed the audience decked in a whimsical purple Willy Wonka outfit. Emulating Wonka’s renowned flair, he delighted spectators by theatrically tossing candy from a briefcase, winning over both looks and votes.
As Mitchell stood victorious, clutching a novelty-sized check made out to the “Best Tim,” fans and onlookers swarmed for a photo op and to exchange social media handles with the triumphant doppelgänger. “I’m excited and I’m also overwhelmed,” Mitchell expressed with a mix of joy and disbelief. “There were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.”
The Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest, despite its abrupt dispersal and minor legal complications, left an indelible mark, capturing the high-spirited devotion fans have for the young actor and the lengths they’ll go to celebrate his ever-growing influence in pop culture. As the dust settled, there remained an undeniable sense of shared experience and community, resonating with those who eagerly anticipate any new project bearing his name. For a few hours, the streets of New York transformed into a theatrical stage celebrating not just one Timothée Chalamet, but a multitude of his inspired reflections.
