Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet made a fashionably late entrance to the 2026 Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, but their tardiness did little to curb their public displays of affection or the intriguing, somewhat awkward, body language analysed by an expert.
A Red Carpet No-Show and Old Hollywood Glamour
The celebrity couple appeared to bypass the traditional red carpet, slipping into the star-studded ceremony directly. They cut a classic figure, reminiscent of an old-Hollywood pair. Chalamet, who stars in the A24 film Marty Supreme, wore a navy blue pinstriped suit, a look seemingly inspired by the 1950s-era costumes from his role as a rising table tennis star.
Jenner complemented his vintage aesthetic in a stunning, strappy black sequined Versace gown featuring a daring lace back. The beauty mogul's ensemble was a highlight of the evening's fashion.
Body Language Expert Spots a Confidence Divide
While the pair seemed increasingly comfortable as the night progressed, body language expert Judi James suggested Jenner initially appeared less assured under the spotlight. James, speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, noted a distinct contrast as they entered the venue.
"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. There's no cool A-list avoidance signals from him here, he looks actively delighted to meet, greet, and mingle."
For Jenner, however, the story was different. "Kylie looks less assured behind him," James stated, pointing to signs of anxiety. "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." A key tell, according to James, was Jenner seemingly placing her thumbnail against her teeth in a self-comfort gesture.
James also highlighted a "needy-looking ritual" where Jenner pulled Chalamet's arm into her body, clasping his hand and arm with both of hers, which the expert interpreted as a signal of closeness and ownership.
A Loving Shout-Out and Solo Moments
The emotional peak of the evening came when Chalamet won the award for Best Actor. In his acceptance speech, he gave a heartfelt shout-out to 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," he said emotionally. Jenner was seen mouthing "I love you" back to him from the audience.
Despite this tender moment, James noted they socialised little as a couple at their table. "Timothée barely touches her chair before taking his seat and immediately chatting to the man on his other side," she said. When Chalamet jumped up to greet someone else, "Kylie is left sitting alone with an empty chair on either side, smiling awkwardly and adjusting her cleavage."
Later, the couple were captured in more intimate moments, cuddling and kissing at their table. A lip reader, Nicola Hickling, suggested that during a photo session, Chalamet made a "cringe" request for a "little kiss," to which he added, "I wanted to."
Awards Season Momentum and Social Media Glimpses
The Critics Choice Awards appearance followed Jenner's support for Chalamet at the Palm Springs International Film Festival just one day prior, where he received the Spotlight Actor of the Year Award for Marty Supreme.
In a rare break from their typical social media silence, Jenner posted a picture of her Palm Springs look on Instagram. Chalamet responded in the comments with a string of orange heart emojis.
Hosted for the fourth consecutive year by Chelsea Handler, the Critics' Choice Awards are a key bellwether for the Oscars, often accurately forecasting Academy Award success. The ceremony officially kicks off the intense awards season, with the Golden Globes scheduled to air on January 11.
