Timothée Chalamet crashes a look-alike contest before being shut down by the police

On By Littum

Timothée Chalamet was anything but a complete unknown when he rolled up for a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest in New York City.

There was “pandemonium” among contestants and spectators on Sunday when, 30 minutes after the competition began, the NYC native appeared in the crowd, estimated by NBC News to be in the thousands.

A contestant in the look-alike contest reacts to the actor's surprise appearance at the event.A contestant in the look-alike contest reacts to the actor's surprise appearance at the event.

The moment an attendee saw the real Chalamet. (@Itweetabttv via X/via Reuters)

There were gasps and screams as Chalamet filmed Marty Supreme in NYC, joined his brunette, wavy-haired doppelgangers in Washington Square Park. According to the Associated Press, Chalamet was accompanied by bodyguards.

Contestants gather for the Chalamet look-alike contest in Washington Square Park in NYC.Contestants gather for the Chalamet look-alike contest in Washington Square Park in NYC.

Some of the Chalamet look-alikes in the competition. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

The actor, sporting a mustache and shorter hair under his black hat than many of the contestants, flashed the peace sign as he stood next to the hopefuls who copied his Dune and Wonka looks in hopes of winning the $50 prize — and bragging rights.

The award ultimately went to Staten Island resident Miles Mitchell, 21. He was wearing one Wonka costume, including a briefcase, and helped win over the judges by throwing candy into the audience.

Miles Mitchell, winner of the competition, waves to the crowd.Miles Mitchell, winner of the competition, waves to the crowd.

Miles Mitchell was the winner. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

Mitchell was presented with a huge check awarded to “Best Tim”.

USA Today reported that because organizers, including YouTuber Anthony Poe and Instagram influencer Tamir Omarididn’t get a permit, the NYPD broke up what it deemed an “unplanned demonstration.” A police spokesman said four people were arrested and released with a summons.

The Cut posted a video of a Chalamet look-alike being handcuffed.

Organizers — who were fined $500, according to the Associated Press — promoted the event by passing fliers around NYC in the days leading up to the contest. By Sunday morning, there were 2,500 responses to an online invitation, according to Variety.

Mitchell, winner of the competition, has his trophy.Mitchell, winner of the competition, has his trophy.

The winner collected $50 and a trophy. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

“It’s the way of culture,” Po said, holding up his fine. “And that is the price of culture.”

“It started as a silly joke and now it’s become pandemonium,” said Paige Nguyen, a producer who helped Po stage the event, according to the AP.

Anthony Po, right, deliberates with the other judges at the look-alike contest.Anthony Po, right, deliberates with the other judges at the look-alike contest.

The judges, including YouTube personality Anthony Po, opined. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

“We were kicked out of Washington Square Park,” Omari said in a video. “We could never have expected so many people to show up… The expectation was that we could have an orderly look-alike competition.”

People gather for the competition in Washington Square Park.People gather for the competition in Washington Square Park.

The pageant, held on a perfect fall day in NYC, drew a crowd that only grew as news of Chalamet’s arrival spread. (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)

Chalamet is one of Hollywood’s most popular and bankable stars. Next time he will appear on the big screen as Bob Dylan A completely unknown, which will be published on December 25. The heartthrob has been dating reality star turned makeup mogul Kylie Jenner since last year.