It’s as peaceful as it can get on Sunday, October 27th, in New York City- that is, until you get to Washington Square Park, where the city’s first ever Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest is taking place. The park is overflowing with those dressed in their best Chalamet-inspired outfits, each competing for the prize of fifty dollars.
The contest itself was hosted by Youtuber Anthony Po, one of many he has thrown. While the usual marketing of the other events generated a small community of people, this one boomed with popularity- over 2,000 people showed up, many to participate, many to watch it all play out, and, according to some sources, many to hand out their numbers to the competitors. On top of this, there were also various press companies adding themselves to the mob, like Teen Vogue, Variety, and The Daily Mail. Packed with people, there was chaos everywhere.
The chaos rose as the star himself, Timothée Chalamet, showed up to the contest, having been filming a project in New York City. He posed with fans for pictures and the like, and pandemonium rose. He also interacted with many of the competitors. He did not win the competition.
As the amount of people rose, so did problems surrounding the contest. Just as participants were about to show themselves off to the audience for their judgment, police showed up and organizers were given a $500 fine for an “unpermitted event”, unable to finish walking down the red carpet. Although they were forced to move locations, from the park to nearby Mercer Playground, the event did not die down. In fact, more people came to watch, and participants competed for the audience’s approval on a makeshift stage.
When it came down to the final four contestants, they were questioned on their French speaking skills, as the real Chalamet had French roots, and their romantic intentions with Kylie Jenner, who is Chalamet’s girlfriend, rumors say. Finally, having gained the most cheers from the audience, 21-year-old Miles Mitchel seized the win. Decked out in full Wonka gear, he won a $50 check and a trophy.
So, the next time someone tells you you look like a certain celebrity, don’t hesitate to search for any look-alike competitions around the world you can attend. Not only do you have the chance of winning a prize and bragging rights, who knows, you might just meet a celebrity like the lucky people of New York City.
