Tyler, the Creator steals scenes with Chalamet in the awards season favourite 'Marty Supreme'

Josh Safdie’s sports comedy-drama, “Marty Supreme”, stole the spotlight this week after Timothée Chalamet won Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.

Interestingly, Chalamet also recently took Best Actor honours at the 31st Critics' Choice Awards.

Given the film’s success, I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a surge in cinema attendance this week.

Following Marty Mauser (Chalamet), a young hustler, the story unfolds in the underground world of 1950s table tennis. 

Marty fights for respect in a sport that no one takes seriously, a fight where ambition, obsession and survival ultimately collide. Sharp and dangerous, the narrative is surprisingly relevant to modern discussions surrounding masculinity.

The stellar cast deserves equal praise, featuring supporting performances from Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Kevin O'Leary, Abel Ferrara, Fran Drescher and Grammy-winning artist Tyler, the Creator (whose real name is Tyler Okonma).

Interestingly, Tyler makes his feature film debut in his role as Wally, Marty's best friend. Wally is a taxi driver who also happens to be a skilled table tennis player.

A respected figure in the industry, Tyler is known for his work as a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, fashion designer and director.  He is also recognised as a provocateur, having been involved in public disputes with figures like Selena Gomez, Eminem and DJ Khaled.

In a recent interview, Tyler shed light on the project, speaking with complete candour and a relaxed demeanour.

“It was my first movie, so I was wide-eyed the whole time. The few days that I shot -  and it was just Timothy - I was just hyped. I was just happy, super happy to be a part of it,” he shared. 

On being approached for the role, he was most impressed with the script. 

“I thought it was a great script. I liked it. And I was like, yeah, I'm down. I mean, I was already down before I read the script, because I respect Josh. So I said, anything you want me in, I'll just show up and do it. 

“For me, he's straightforward. He's like, I want orange. And I'm like, all right. I'll try to give you orange.”

In executing his scenes, Tyler didn’t overthink things. He put his complete faith in the director’s guidance. 

He added, “I just read the lines and did my best. It's my first time acting. So I just went at it and just did it. 

Tyler spoke with an unmistakable lilt in his voice when describing his scenes with Chalamet, particularly those in the taxi.

“To be honest, I just showed up on set. We joked around. And then we just start shooting. The one time I think we went over any lines was like five minutes before the hotel scene, just so we could get the cadence, because that was our first thing we ever shot. 

“But outside of that, I think me and him just got along. And it just worked.”

Aside from his unmistakable admiration of Safdie, which heightened his first big-screen role, he was blown away by the culture on set. 

“Even though I haven't experienced other movie sets or anything like that, I know that this is definitely something special. And that's because I'm a fan of Josh's work. So I pray and hope that the other movies that I'll end up doing in the future have as much warmth as working on this one did.”

The director's strength in conveying a human story was also highlighted, especially when considering the flawed nature of Chalamet and his character.

Tyler pointed out, “I think that was the whole thing that Josh wanted. He wanted someone that seemed super close to Marty, that made him human. And that didn't take his shit. 

“I think Wally's the first character in there that matches him with the energy; he don't have time to dream and bullshit like Marty does. He has kids at home.”

Attention is now focused on the film's performance at upcoming award ceremonies: the BAFTAs and The Actors Awards (formerly the SAG Awards) in February, followed by the Oscars in March.

∎ “Marty Supreme” is showing at cinemas nationwide.