NATIONAL NEWS

Timothée Chalamet crashes his own look-alike contest after police shut down crowded event

Oct 28, 2024, 8:04 AM

Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, ...

Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest near Washington Square Park, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

(AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

NEW YORK (AP) — Actor Timothée Chalamet made a surprise appearance at his own look-alike contest in Lower Manhattan on Sunday, an event that drew hundreds of onlookers, a dispersal order from police and at least one arrest.

Flanked by bodyguards, Chalamet briefly posed for photos with his high-cheeked, curly haired doppelgängers, some of whom had dressed as the actor’s characters in “Wonka” and the “Dune” movies.

But just as the wannabe-Chalamets began strutting along a red carpet in Washington Square Park, police ordered the large group to disperse, slapping organizers with a $500 fine for an “unpermitted costume contest.”

At least one contestant was taken away in handcuffs, though police did not immediately say why. A spokesperson for the NYPD said charges were pending.

“It started off as a silly joke and now it’s turned pandemonium,” said Paige Nguyen, a producer for the YouTube personality Anthony Po, who staged the event.

The organizers had posted flyers for the contest — which promised a $50 prize to the winner — around New York in recent days, spurring social media speculation and thousands of RSVPs to an online invite.

After leaving the park, the group soon found a backup location in a nearby playground, where more than a dozen contestants competed for audience approval from a makeshift stage.

What makes a good Chalamet?

“It’s all in the nose,” said Lauren Klas, a 27-year-old graphic designer who clung to a fence post to get a better view of the stage. “All of his bone structure, really.”

After winnowing down the group down to four, the remaining contestants were asked about their French proficiency, their plans to make the world a better place and their romantic intentions with Kylie Jenner. Chalamet and Jenner are said to be a couple.

Eventually, a winner was chosen: Miles Mitchell, a 21-year-old Staten Island resident, who dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit and tossed candy to the crowd from a brief case.

As he stood next to a novelty-size check written out to “Best Tim,” a group of admirers lined up for the chance to take a photo — or exchange social media profiles — with the winner.

“I’m excited and I’m also overwhelmed,” Mitchell said. “There were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.”

KSL 5 TV Live

National News

"I Voted!" stickers are displayed at the Philadelphia Election Warehouse, in Philadelphia, Friday, ...

HOLLY RAMER Associated Press

Creative ‘I Voted’ stickers branch out beyond the familiar flag design

From scenic to slightly sinister, "I Voted" stickers encompass a lot more than the familiar American flag design.

2 hours ago

Heidi Klum attends her 23rd Annual Halloween Party at the Hard Rock Hotel in New York City. (TheSte...

Oscar Holland, CNN

Heidi Klum arrives at annual Halloween bash in elaborate E.T. costume

The most hotly anticipated costume of the spooky season is here — and the “Queen of Halloween” didn’t disappoint.

5 hours ago

Having an expectedly messy jobs report land just days before a consequential election and a pivotal...

CNN

Final jobs report before Election Day shows US economy added 12,000 positions amid strikes and storms

The monthly jobs report — the final piece of major economic data to land before a consequential, contentious and too-close-to-call election — was clear as mud.

6 hours ago

Eight killed after railway station roof collapses in Serbia. (AP via CNN Newsource)...

CNN

Eight killed after railway station roof collapses in Serbia

Eight people were killed in the Serbian town of Novi Sad on Friday when the roof of a railway station collapsed, according to the country’s interior minister.

6 hours ago

Colorful Tupperware products are seen in Bellflower, Calif. on Aug. 5, 2011. (AP Photo/Garrett Chee...

Wyatte Grantham-Philips, AP Business Writer

Court approves Tupperware’s sale to lenders, paving way for brand’s exit from bankruptcy

A U.S. bankruptcy judge has approved a sale of Tupperware Brands.

22 hours ago

New Apple iPhone 16 models are displayed after Apple's "It's Glowtime" event in Cupertino, Californ...

Clare Duffy, CNN

Apple wants its AI iPhone to turn around a sales rut

Apple CEO Tim Cook said the company’s Apple Intelligence AI tools would “supercharge” the iPhone 16 when he introduced the new device last month.

23 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

abstract vector digital social network technology background...

Les Olson

Protecting yourself against social engineering attacks

Learn more about the common types of social engineering to protect your online or offline assets from an attack.

family having fun at home...

Lighting Design

Discover the impact of lighting on your mood

From color temperature to lighting saturation, we tackle how different lighting design setups can impact your day-to-day mood.

Laptops in a modern technology store. Department of computers in the electronics store. Choosing a ...

PC Laptops

How to choose the best laptop for college students

Finding the right laptop for college students can be hard, but with this guide we break down what to look for so you can find the best one.

young male technician is repairing a printer at office...

Les Olson

Unraveling the dilemma between leasing and buying office technology

Carefully weigh these pros and cons to make an informed decision that best suits your business growth and day-to-day operation. 

A kitchen in a modern farmhouse....

Lighting Design

A room-by-room lighting guide for your home

Bookmark this room-by-room lighting guide whenever you decide to upgrade your lighting or style a new home.

Photo courtesy of Artists of Ballet West...

Ballet West

The rising demand for ballet tickets: why they’re harder to get

Ballet West’s box office is experiencing demand they’ve never seen before, leaving many interested patrons unable to secure tickets they want.

Timothée Chalamet crashes his own look-alike contest after police shut down crowded event