On October 26, 2024, a sunny Sunday afternoon in New York City, the Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contest transformed Washington Square Park into a frenzy of energy, excitement, and celebrity admiration. What began as a seemingly lighthearted competition quickly escalated into a chaotic scene filled with influencers, admirers, and even a run-in with the NYPD.
The event, which promised a $50 cash prize and a flashy trophy for the “Best Tim,” attracted over 2,500 RSVPs, with even more spectators arriving to see the show. Organizers had only released sparse details about the event through social media, leading many to wonder just how wild it would become. As 1 p.m. got closer, the park was crowded with young men wearing Chalamet’s signature floppy hair, sharp noses, and serious expressions.
One contestant stood out in a striking purple Willy Wonka outfit—21-year-old Miles Mitchell from Staten Island. As he tossed candy from a briefcase and prepared for his moment in the spotlight, the buzz of anticipation grew thick. “I’m excited and I’m also overwhelmed,” Mitchell said, according to ABC News. “There were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.”
As the crowd chanted and cheered, it became clear that many participants had their sights set beyond just winning the $50 cash prize and a Party City trophy. “Some people seem to be taking this event really out of context,” remarked Reed Putman, a substitute teacher from upstate New York, in an article on The Cut. He wasn’t wrong; several attendees seemed more interested in finding a date among the doppelgängers than in the competition itself.
“Imagine the power. It’s just a bunch of dark-haired, skinny white kids walking around,” said Noah, a 23-year-old in the crowd, in an article on GC. Others, like Spencer DeLorenzo, 22, saw potential career opportunities. Despite being turned down for a role as Chalamet’s double due to his height, DeLorenzo humorously reflected on his newfound celebrity status: “If he didn’t exist, I would just be, like, another guy.”
The event took an unexpected turn when the actual Timothée Chalamet made a surprise appearance, leading to chaos as the crowd erupted in excitement. “He said ‘hello’ and that I was looking good,” DeLorenzo recounted, still in disbelief over the brief encounter. “I didn’t think I would meet him!” he explained to The Cut.
After a short break, the crowd moved to Mercer Playground, where the contest got underway. Anthony Po, the 23-year-old YouTuber organizing the event, aimed to film for his channel. When asked if he expected the chaos, he humorously downplayed it. The crowd, however, enjoyed the fun, cheering for their favorites as contestants answered questions about how they would make the world a better place.
The finalists were whittled down to two—Miles Mitchell, a 21-year-old in a purple Willy Wonka costume, and Zander Lueve, a 22-year-old from Atlanta. The tension steadily rose; however, the crowd ultimately chose Mitchell as the winner. As he celebrated with his oversized check made out to “Best Tim,” the camaraderie among contestants was palpable.
Once the dust settled and the crowds dispersed, it was clear that the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest had created a memorable experience for everyone involved. From unexpected police interventions to a surprise encounter with the real Chalamet, the day had it all. As DeLorenzo accurately summarized, “What a day, like one of the funnest days of my life.”
In the end, while Miles Mitchell walked away with the trophy, everyone left with something more valuable: stories of laughter, unexpected connections, and the shared joy of being part of something delightfully absurd.
