Timothée Chalamet backs big-screen magic over streaming debuts

For Timothée Chalamet, watching a film in a packed theatre still means something. Speaking at a Valentine’s Eve screening of Call Me by Your Name at the Los Angeles Theatre, the actor shared why he believes cinema releases carry a different kind of energy compared to streaming debuts.

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“It’s more drumroll”

“It sounds like cheesy marketing talk,” he admitted, “but it’s more drumroll.” That sense of build-up, he said, is hard to recreate when a film drops online without the same lead-up or shared countdown.

The streaming experience vs the big screen

Chalamet has worked on both kinds of releases. Films like The King and Don’t Look Up went straight to Netflix, reaching audiences worldwide instantly.

He acknowledged that streaming platforms, especially Netflix, offer unmatched global access and can quickly become part of cultural conversations.

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But even so, he feels theatrical premieres are “more ceremonial.” There’s anticipation. There’s a first-night buzz. There’s a room full of strangers reacting together.

And that, to him, creates more of a moment.

On the awards trail

The actor is currently in the middle of awards season after earning a Best Actor nomination at the Academy Awards for his performance in Marty Supreme, where he plays a table tennis prodigy.

He recently picked up a win at the Critics’ Choice Awards, adding to the momentum. Despite the attention, Chalamet appeared grounded while speaking about recognition. “Everyone’s killing it,” he said of his fellow nominees. “I feel lucky to be part of that community.”

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Clearing up the rumours

During the conversation, Chalamet also addressed online speculation linking him to British rapper EsDeeKid. He clarified that he is not the musician’s alter ego, putting the rumours to rest with ease.

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A case for shared spaces

At a time when streaming dominates much of the industry, Chalamet’s comments felt like a gentle reminder rather than a criticism.

He isn’t dismissing digital platforms. He’s simply saying that theatres offer something else, a shared pause, a collective reaction, a sense that something is happening right now.

And sometimes, that extra drumroll still matters.

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