Timothée Chalamet’s Pursuit of Greatness: How He Compares to Film’s Best Actors
Timothée Chalamet is in pursuit of greatness. The actor admitted as much during his acceptance speech at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for Best Actor. Name-dropping screen legends like Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis, the Complete Unknown star set a high bar to clear if he wants to be considered in the conversation of film’s greatest actors. So at 29 years old, how does Chalamet’s resume compare to the greats?
Early career milestones for film’s greatest actors
Before his 30s, Marlon Brando had already made a significant impact on cinema. His groundbreaking performance in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) earned him his first Academy Award nomination at 27, and he secured his first Oscar win at 30 years old for On the Waterfront (1954). Similarly, Daniel Day-Lewis received his first Academy Award for Best Actor at 32 for My Left Foot (1989), marking the beginning of a distinguished career.
Viola Davis’s ascent was more gradual. By 30, she had built a solid foundation in theater and television, leading to her breakthrough film role in Doubt (2008). She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at 43.
Al Pacino had begun to make his mark in cinema at a similar age. His signature role as Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at 32, setting the stage for future greatness.
Denzel Washington’s career took more time to develop. His stand-out film role in Cry Freedom (1987) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor at 33.
Meryl Streep’s early career was marked by critical acclaim. She received her first Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at 30 for The Deer Hunter (1978) and won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at 31 for Kramer vs. Kramer (1979).
Timothée Chalamet’s critical acclaim and awards
Chalamet’s role in Call Me by Your Name (2017) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at just 22, making him one of the youngest nominees in that category.
His recent performance in A Complete Unknown has further solidified his reputation, with the film receiving eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director. A Best Actor win for Chalamet at the 2025 Academy Awards would level him up in the conversation of acting greats.
In comparison, Brando’s early Oscar win for On the Waterfront set a high standard, while Day-Lewis’s portrayal in My Left Foot established him as a formidable talent. Davis’s and Washington’s later recognition underscores their perseverance and reflects the longevity Chalamet hopes to emulate.
Chalamet’s box office success
Timothée Chalamet’s films have collectively grossed over $3 billion worldwide, a testament to his box office appeal and blockbuster talent. Dune and Dune: Part Two have combined for over $1 billion. Other films like Wonka, Lady Bird, Little Women, and A Complete Unknown contributed significantly to Chalamet’s box office draw.
While box office tracking during Brando’s era differs from today’s metrics, his films were commercially successful and critically acclaimed. Day-Lewis’s and Washington’s selective filmographies include high-grossing and award-winning films, reflecting both commercial and artistic success. Davis’s versatility across film, television, and theater has resulted in a diverse portfolio, with several box office hits and critically lauded performances.
An Academy Award for A Complete Unknown will go a long way in helping Chalamet achieve his career goals. It’s clear he can always rely on franchise films and blockbusters to boost his box office numbers. But Chalamet’s SAG speech makes it clear his pursuit extends beyond dollars as he endeavors to reach a different echelon of acting.
