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Hollywood actor Timothée Chalamet is once again facing criticism after comments he made about ballet and opera during a recent public discussion about the future of the film industry.
In an interview released through U.S. media outlets including Variety and CNN, Chalamet appeared alongside fellow actor Matthew McConaughey. The two spoke about the changing landscape of moviegoing and the ongoing debate about how cinemas can remain relevant in the era of streaming platforms.
While discussing how audiences respond to different forms of entertainment, Chalamet said he prefers working in artistic spaces that attract broad public interest. He remarked that he would not want to work in fields such as ballet or opera where, in his view, artists sometimes feel pressured to convince audiences that those traditions must be preserved.
"I want to work in art forms that people really care about," Chalamet said during the conversation. Referring to ballet and opera, he added that he respects the artists involved but suggested their popularity has declined. Immediately afterward, he joked that he had "lost 14 cents in viewership" for bringing up the topic.
Although the comment was delivered with humor, criticism quickly followed online. Several performers in the opera and ballet communities argued that the statement appeared dismissive toward long-standing performing arts traditions that have shaped global culture for centuries.
The moment has also revived discussion about Chalamet's previous public remarks. Earlier, while promoting his film Marty Supreme, the actor described his performance as the strongest of his career, drawing pushback from some commentators. Comedian Chelsea Handler, speaking on her podcast at the time, said that while Chalamet is talented, hearing an actor praise his own work so directly can be difficult for audiences.
During an awards speech in another appearance, Chalamet also referenced legendary performers such as Marlon Brando, Daniel Day-Lewis and Viola Davis while speaking about his ambition to pursue artistic greatness.
Despite occasional controversies, Chalamet remains one of Hollywood's most prominent young stars. Films such as Dune, Dune: Part Two, Wonka and Little Women have helped solidify his global popularity and box office appeal.
