The 2026 Critics Choice Awards, held on January 4 in Santa Monica, showcased a humorous highlight when actors Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs decided to impersonate celebrity couple Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet. The duo, known for their roles in the HBO series *Hacks*, took to the red carpet dressed as the couple, echoing their recent fashion choices and red carpet poses from the *Marty Supreme* premiere.
Stalter and Downs drew attention with their striking resemblance to Jenner and Chalamet’s outfits. Downs, 43, donned a vibrant orange leather suit paired with a matching silk shirt and boots, while Stalter, 35, wore a floor-length orange gown featuring daring cutouts. Their playful homage went beyond mere clothing; the pair meticulously recreated the couple’s iconic poses and body language, capturing the essence of Jenner and Chalamet’s public appearances.
Stalter particularly embodied Jenner’s poised presence, striking camera-friendly poses and adjusting Downs’ body language to mirror Jenner’s signature gestures. At one point, she performed a dramatic hair flip and leaned back against Downs, perfectly mimicking Jenner’s viral red carpet moments.
The designer behind their outfits, Erica D. Schwartz, contributed to the realism of their portrayal, but it was the duo’s comedic performances that truly captivated the audience. Both actors have gained recognition from *Hacks*, where Stalter plays Kayla Schaefer, a bold and often inappropriate assistant, and Downs portrays the frantic manager, Jimmy LuSaque Jr.
As the night progressed, additional cast members from *Hacks*, including Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder, joined Stalter and Downs on the red carpet, further enhancing the star-studded atmosphere of the event.
Chalamet, 30, and Jenner, 28, first attracted attention with their coordinated fashion choices at the *Marty Supreme* premiere on December 8, marking their second official red carpet appearance as a couple. Earlier in the year, they made headlines during their debut at the David Di Donatello Awards in Rome, where Chalamet received the David for Cinematic Excellence.
In addition to their fashion statements, Chalamet has been nominated for Best Actor for his role in *Marty Supreme*, competing against notable actors including Ethan Hawke and Michael B. Jordan. The Best Actress category features nominees such as Jessie Buckley and Emma Stone, while the Best Supporting Actor and Actress categories include contenders like Benicio del Toro and Ariana Grande.
The Critics Choice Awards, which began in 1995 as an initiative by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, have evolved into a significant annual event celebrating achievements in film and television. This year’s ceremony introduced new categories, including Best Variety Series and Best Stunt Design, reflecting the changing landscape of the entertainment industry.
As the evening unfolded, viewers were treated to a parade of A-list stars, with nominees and presenters alike, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall, contributing to the glamour of the night. The event aired live on USA Network and E! at 19:00 ET, marking another successful chapter in the history of the Critics Choice Awards.
The playful impersonation of Jenner and Chalamet by Stalter and Downs not only highlighted the fun spirit of the evening but also underscored the cultural influence of celebrity couples on contemporary fashion and pop culture.
