Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet made a notably late entrance to the star-studded 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, opting to skip the red carpet entirely. Despite their tardy arrival, the high-profile couple did not shy away from public displays of affection, though a body language expert suggests their non-verbal cues revealed some underlying tension and discomfort.
A Fashionably Late Arrival and Old-Hollywood Style
The pair snuck into the ceremony at the Barker Hangar, evoking the glamour of a classic Hollywood couple. Timothée Chalamet, fresh from his acclaimed role in Marty Supreme, channelled a 1950s aesthetic in a sharp navy blue pinstriped suit, seemingly inspired by his character's wardrobe in the table tennis drama.
Kylie Jenner complemented his vintage look with a modern, show-stopping ensemble. The beauty mogul wore a strappy, black sequined Versace gown featuring a daring lace back, ensuring all eyes were on them as they took their seats.
Expert Analysis: Confident Star vs. Anxious Partner
Body language expert Judi James, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, provided a detailed breakdown of the couple's dynamic throughout the evening. She noted a stark contrast in their demeanour, particularly upon arrival.
"Timothée is showing signs of high sociability and excitement here," James observed. "He walks ahead... with his cheeks fully rounded in a signal of deep pleasure. His head dips once but is then tilted back and upward with his eyes raised like the incoming star of the night." She highlighted his apparent delight to mingle, even while clasping Jenner's hand.
For Jenner, however, the story was different. James pointed to signs of anxiety. "Kylie looks less assured behind him. Her anxiety is hinted at from the constant and unnecessary-looking auto-contact checking and self-preening rituals as she touches at her hair several times," the expert said. A particularly telling moment came when Jenner appeared to place her thumbnail against her teeth, a classic self-comfort gesture indicating a lack of confidence.
This unease seemed to persist as they sat down. James noted that Chalamet barely touched Jenner's chair before engaging with another guest, leaving Jenner sitting alone at one point, "smiling awkwardly and adjusting her cleavage." In another instance, Jenner was seen pulling Chalamet's arm into her body in what was described as a "needy-looking ritual" to signal closeness.
An Emotional Win and a Public Declaration of Love
The night, however, reached a poignant crescendo when Timothée Chalamet won the award for Best Actor for his portrayal of ping-pong legend Marty Reisman in the A24 film Marty Supreme. His acceptance speech took a deeply personal turn as he addressed his partner of three years.
"Finally, thank you to my partner of three years, thank you for our foundation. I love you and couldn't do this without you," Chalamet said emotionally from the stage. He added, "I love you from the bottom of my heart," to which Jenner was seen mouthing "I love you" back from the audience.
Later in the evening, the couple were seen in a more intimate moment, cuddling and kissing at their table, with Jenner cradling Chalamet's head. A lip reader suggested Chalamet had playfully asked for a "little kiss" earlier during photo sessions.
Kicking Off the Awards Season
The couple's appearance at the Critics' Choice Awards, hosted for a fourth year by Chelsea Handler, came just one day after Jenner supported Chalamet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where he received the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award. The Critics' Choice Awards are widely regarded as a key bellwether for the Oscars, making the night significant for Chalamet's awards season prospects.
This event marks the official start of the awards calendar, with the Golden Globes scheduled to air on January 11. For now, all eyes remain on one of Hollywood's most talked-about couples, whose every move—from fashion choices to fleeting gestures—continues to captivate the public and experts alike.
