In a dramatic shift from their usual privacy, actor Timothee Chalamet made a very public declaration of love for his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, during his acceptance speech at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards. The move, coming just two months after reports the pair had split, has been labelled by experts as a strategic play for 'social proof and relationship validation'.
A Calculated Display of Affection
On Sunday, the 30-year-old actor won the Best Actor trophy for his role in the dramedy Marty Supreme. Concluding his speech, he paid tribute to 'my partner of three years', thanking Jenner for their foundation and stating he 'couldn't do this without you.' The 28-year-old beauty mogul was seen in the audience mouthing 'I love you' in response.
The couple, who have maintained an 'on-off' relationship since being first linked in April 2023, shared a sweet kiss as Chalamet rose to accept his award. This marked a significant departure from their typical low-key approach, which has included keeping their romance off social media and away from her family's Hulu show.
Expert Analysis: A Strategic Public Relations Move
Psychologist Darren Stanton, speaking on behalf of Press Box PR, told the Daily Mail the overt display sends a 'very clear message to the public'. He explained the behaviour is rooted in 'social proof', designed to signal the relationship is 'real, secure and intentional' and to reduce speculation.
'They're very strategic about where they display these moments,' Stanton said, noting the high-profile awards ceremony with maximum media attention was a calculated choice. He added that Jenner, in particular, is 'very media trained and controlled', suggesting the move was 'well planned and not off the cuff'.
Relationship psychologist Dr Kathy Nickerson emphasised the couple's dual role as people and brands. 'When a celebrity relationship appears stable and affectionate, it tends to cast a positive light on both individuals, as well as their businesses and projects,' she said. She described the increased public displays of affection (PDA) as 'reassurance signalling' in a media landscape where silence is often interpreted as trouble.
From Split Rumours to Social Media Cues
The public declaration follows a turbulent period for the couple. In November 2025, an insider told the Daily Mail that Chalamet had 'dumped' Jenner, claiming they were in a 'cool-down cycle'. The actor further fuelled speculation in a Vogue profile by flatly refusing to discuss the romance.
However, the pair have recently escalated their public coupledom. Following the Critics Choice Awards, Jenner shared photos of her orange, sequined Ludovic de Saint Sernin gown on Instagram, captioned with orange heart emojis. Chalamet responded by liking the post and commenting with several orange hearts—the first time they have publicly interacted on social media, moving beyond discreet likes.
Their relationship appears to have strengthened recently, with Jenner joining Chalamet's Marty Supreme press tour last month. They stormed a red carpet hand-in-hand in coordinated orange looks, seemingly to quash break-up rumours, though a body language expert suggested Chalamet appeared less comfortable with the display than his partner.
The couple, who met as far back as 2019 at Nobu Malibu, have navigated public scrutiny for three years. Jenner shares two children with rapper Travis Scott, while Chalamet has historically kept his relationships out of the spotlight to maintain his reputation as a serious actor. Their latest, very public chapter suggests a new, more open strategy for their high-profile union.
