Chalamet's Oscar Bid: Will Youth Finally Get Its Due?

Timothée Chalamet is strongly favored to win Best Actor at the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 14th, for his role in Marty Supreme. This nomination follows his previous nod for A Complete Unknown last year. If Chalamet wins, he will be the second youngest Best Actor recipient ever, highlighting a persistent issue: the Academy's tendency to overlook performances by younger actors.

Historically, actors in their twenties have had limited success in winning this prestigious award. Adrien Brody, who won at age 29 for The Pianist in 2002, remains the only Best Actor winner in that age bracket. Notable performances by actors like Heath Ledger at 27 and James Dean, who died at 24, were nominated but ultimately went unrewarded.

This pattern has led to what some call 'make-up' Oscars, where actors eventually win for roles perceived as less impactful than earlier performances for which they were overlooked. Al Pacino's win for Scent of a Woman, long after his acclaimed turns in The Godfather and Serpico, is a prime example. Similarly, Matt Damon, nominated at 27 for Good Will Hunting, and Tom Cruise, nominated at 28 for Born on the Fourth of July, are still awaiting acting Oscars despite significant careers.

The Academy is urged to acknowledge great performances regardless of an actor's age. A potential win for Chalamet, already on his third nomination, could pave the way for more recognition of talented actors in their twenties, potentially reducing the list of surprising Oscar omissions.