The loudest moment at the Critics Choice Awards did not come from a joke, a surprise win, or a political speech. It came from four simple words.

As Timothée Chalamet accepted the Best Actor award, he paused near the end of his speech and turned the spotlight somewhere unexpected. "Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn't do this without you." The line was brief, direct, and unmistakably aimed at Kylie Jenner, who was seated in the audience, who said "I love you."

This was not a casual shout out. Chalamet has long kept his personal life offstage, even as speculation around his relationship with Jenner intensified. By naming her directly and placing her inside his professional milestone, he confirmed both the length and seriousness of their relationship, something fans and media had only pieced together through sightings, red carpets, and carefully chosen public appearances.

@varietymagazine

#TimothéeChalamet thanks #KylieJenner after winning Best Actor at the CriticsChoiceAwards: "Thank you to my partner of three years. Thank you for our foundation. I love you. I couldn't do this without you."

♬ original sound - Variety

The two were first linked in spring 2023, when reports emerged that they were quietly spending time together in Los Angeles. Early on, the relationship was marked by discretion rather than spectacle. There were no joint interviews, no coordinated social media posts, and no confirmation beyond being seen together at private gatherings and industry events.

Their first major public moment came months later, when they were photographed showing affection at an awards show, signaling that the relationship was real but still tightly guarded. Since then, Jenner has been a familiar presence at Chalamet's side during key moments of awards season, including international ceremonies where the couple appeared together without addressing the press.

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Critics Choice Awards 2026
Getty for the Critics Choice Awards/Courtesy

What makes this speech different is not just that Jenner was mentioned, but how. By describing her as a partner of three years and crediting their foundation, Chalamet reframed the relationship as long term and deeply rooted, not a fleeting Hollywood pairing. It also marked the first time he publicly tied his personal life to his professional success.

For Jenner, who has spent most of her adult life in the public eye, the dynamic has been noticeably different. Unlike past relationships that unfolded on reality television and social media, this one has remained largely private, with appearances limited to select events and no direct commentary from her side.

Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner Critics Choice Awards 2026
Getty for the Critics Choice Awards/Courtesy

Chalamet's words immediately raised a question fans have been circling for months. Is this relationship moving into a new phase? While the actor did not hint at engagement or future plans, the decision to acknowledge Jenner during an awards acceptance speech suggests a shift in boundaries. What was once private is now, at least in part, public record.

There has been no follow up statement from Jenner, and no additional comment from Chalamet. For now, the moment stands on its own. A major acting win, a rare personal reveal, and a confirmation that one of pop culture's most scrutinized relationships has quietly lasted far longer than many assumed.

Sometimes, in Hollywood, saying less says more.

Tags
Kylie Jenner, Timothee Chalamet