Full Breakdown
Hacks Stars Pay Homage to Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at Critics Choice Awards
1/6/2026, 5:47:48 AM
Creative Red Carpet Parody
At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards held on January 4, Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs, stars of the HBO Max series *Hacks*, made a memorable entrance by donning bright orange outfits that paid homage to Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner's matching looks from the *Marty Supreme* premiere in December 2025. The duo's outfits, designed by Erica D. Schwartz, mirrored the vibrant, custom Chrome Hearts ensembles worn by Chalamet and Jenner, which had garnered significant attention at the film's Los Angeles premiere.
Downs, 43, sported an orange leather suit paired with an orange silk shirt and boots, while Stalter, 35, wore a floor-length gown featuring triangular cutouts, accessorized with a cross necklace. Their playful tribute included mimicking the poses of Chalamet and Jenner during their red carpet appearance, further enhancing the comedic aspect of their homage.
Background of the Outfits
Chalamet and Jenner's original outfits were part of a coordinated fashion statement that marked their second red carpet appearance together, following their debut at the 70th David Di Donatello Awards in May 2023. Their *Marty Supreme* premiere looks were designed to reflect the film's themes, which center around a man's quest to become a ping pong champion. The film is directed by Josh Safdie and has received nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor for Chalamet at the Critics Choice Awards.
Official Statements & Responses
Downs explained their choice of outfits by stating, “We’ve been shooting season five of *Hacks* and haven’t had a lot of time to shop or pull, so we just borrowed from friends.” Stalter humorously added that Jenner had given her the look herself. Downs also noted the practicality of their vinyl outfits in the rainy weather, saying, “It’s really good in the rain — the water just slipped off the dress.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the parody was well-received by many, some critics argue that such tributes can overshadow the original creators' work and intentions. However, Downs emphasized that their goal was simply to have fun and enjoy the awards ceremony, stating, “We just thought, ‘Let’s have fun.’”
What's Next
As *Hacks* continues its production for its fifth and final season, fans can expect more updates on the series. Downs, who is also a co-creator of the show, expressed enthusiasm for the ongoing project, hinting at potential future collaborations with Chalamet.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We get to see people who make movies we love. We just thought, ‘Let’s have fun,'” — Paul W. Downs, Actor and Co-Creator of *Hacks*
- “It’s really good in the rain — the water just slipped off the dress,” — Meg Stalter, Actress
Stalter and Downs' playful homage to Chalamet and Jenner not only showcased their creativity but also highlighted the intersection of fashion and entertainment at one of the year's most anticipated awards ceremonies.
