Timothée Chalamet went from Oscar favorite to internet punchline in one night, and fans say his relationship with Kylie Jenner is why

Timothee Chalamet lost the Best Actor Oscar, and the internet immediately brought back the “Kardashian Curse” jokes. Fans on social media were quick to point out his unhappy expression during the ceremony, saying he looked like “a man who just realized the Kardashian curse is real!” and wanted to “go home and cry.”

Chalamet, 30, has been in a relationship with Kylie Jenner for about three years. The “Kardashian Curse” is a long-standing theory that men who date into the Kardashian family tend to face personal or professional misfortune. Even Kylie herself described it on Keeping Up With the Kardashians in 2016, saying, “Every male figure that comes and dates a Kardashian… their life kind of just goes downhill.”

Chalamet was nominated for his role in Marty Supreme and was widely expected to win his first Oscar. However, he lost to Michael B. Jordan. While many blamed the supposed curse, according to The Daily Mail, others pointed to a controversial comment he made earlier, where he said in an interview that “no one cares about” opera and ballet anymore.

The ballet controversy and the Kardashian curse both haunted Chalamet on Oscar night

The ceremony made his earlier comments even more uncomfortable. Host Conan O’Brien referenced them in his opening monologue, joking about “attacks from both the opera and ballet communities!” The camera then cut to Chalamet nervously smiling beside Kylie. 

He also had to sit through a ballet performance by Misty Copeland during the Sinners musical number. Copeland had previously said that “he wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet.”

Despite the ballet controversy, much of the internet blamed the “Kardashian Curse.” Users posted things like, “He looks silly and yes being with her prevented him from that Oscar!” and “the curse is definitely real!” One user even suggested, “Dump her today and move on with your life.”

A meme also circulated, retitling the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days as “How to Lose an Oscar in 10 Days.” Interestingly, one of the Oscar winners put Chalamet on blast onstage, adding yet another uncomfortable moment to his night.

Not everyone agreed with the curse theory, though. Many pushed back, saying people were “blaming a woman.” Critics argued that “she’s not a Kardashian, and don’t blame the women for HIS acting deficit. He’s a grown man.” Others called the curse “stupid,” and one user stated, “Blaming a woman for a man’s shortcomings is misogyny and is a little outdated.”

The list of supposed curse “victims” includes some well-known names. Kylie’s ex, Travis Scott, once said he wasn’t worried, declaring, “Kylie actually likes me for me. I’m on my own island.” However, his Astroworld Festival in 2021 saw ten attendees tragically die. Following Chalamet’s Oscar loss, Scott appeared to throw shade at the actor online.

Perhaps the most well-known example is Kanye West, Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband. During their seven-year marriage, he was hospitalized for a mental breakdown and later diagnosed with bipolar disorder. 

After their divorce, his troubles continued, including “anti-Semitic rants” that reportedly cost him $1.6 billion of his net worth. Khloe Kardashian’s ex-husband, Lamar Odom, has also faced significant personal troubles linked to the curse. Meanwhile, the night’s big winner, Michael B. Jordan, had his own remarkable journey to the Oscar, much like director Ryan Coogler’s path from dreaming of the NFL to winning his first Oscar, which is a story worth reading.