Timothée Chalamet, who has received an award from the festival three times already, was on hand once more this year to pick up a spotlight award for his work in Marty Supreme. Director Josh Safdie presented Chalamet’s award and spoke about his star’s commitment to his performance, which required him to wear contact lenses to make his eyes look beadier. “At some point, I realized the film industry isn’t an institution,” Chalamet said in his acceptance speech. “Great roles aren’t printed on a conveyor belt. Great auteurs and directors don’t fall from a tree. Every day to wake up in good health and have the opportunity to make things for the world, that’s truly a gift in every sense of the word.” At the event, Chalamet also showed off a slightly longer hairdo after spending the last few months promoting his film with a buzz cut.
Other highlights of the night included Michael B. Jordan, who in his speech spoke about “finding ways to make original stories that entertain us. To make us think, question, and most importantly, come together.” Colman Domingo presented the Sinners star with his award. Jacob Elordi accepted the visionary award alongside the cast of Frankenstein and director Guillermo Del Toro. “Oscar, you’re my hero,” he said, referring to his costar Oscar Isaac. “I just saw him and Ethan Hawke hug backstage. That’s years of study and worship. Seeing them embrace was so moving. I can’t believe I’m in this room.”
It’s no surprise that the funniest speech of the night was given by Adam Sandler, who stars in Jay Kelly. “Like every actor, when I decided to become an actor, my parents were disgusted,” Sandler said. “My father told me I should try it out for one year. Go see if you can get something cooking. If it doesn’t work out, you can come work for me as an electrical contractor.” Sandler then described the life he would have had if he had decided to quit acting after one year. The speech was humble and reflective, and could boost Sandler’s chances in the coming awards contests.
The gala, presented by luxury group Kering, has an excellent track record of recognizing future Oscar nominees and winners. With the likes of Jessie Buckley and the slew of other stars in attendance, this will likely be the first of many speeches we see from 2026’s eventual award recipients.
John Ross
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