Chalamet crashes own lookalike contest
Claiming to resemble a famous celebrity, especially one of the world’s most celebrated heartthrobs, takes confidence. Yet, this hasn’t deterred the countless men in the UK and US who have embraced the recent trend of lookalike competitions.
The craze began three weeks ago with a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in New York, an event so popular that even the actor himself made an appearance.
Since then, similar competitions have drawn crowds of young fans eager to spot individuals resembling stars like Harry Styles, Dev Patel, or Paul Mescal.
With bragging rights, a fleeting moment of fame, and modest cash prizes on the line, both winners and organizers share insights into why these events have gained such widespread appeal.
It was a free event, so of course I went!
Miles Mitchell Shares How Winning a Lookalike Competition Changed His Girlfriend’s Perspective
Our fascination with celebrity lookalikes is nothing new. For 16 years, the show Stars in Their Eyes entertained audiences with amateur performers impersonating famous singers. This concept was revived in 2022 as Starstruck.
However, recent lookalike competitions share a distinct theme: they focus on young, attractive male celebrities.
Avani Johnson, who attended a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest, believes this trend has gained popularity because “women are enjoying the chance to flip the script and objectify men, creating a refreshing shift in power dynamics.” She also notes it allows us to “poke fun at the absurdity of pageantry.”
Last month, 20-year-old student Miles Mitchell won the title of the best Timothée Chalamet lookalike at a competition that has captured public attention.
Miles recalls being compared to Chalamet for the first time while studying in South Korea. “It was during the release of Dune, and people at shops and restaurants kept asking if I was Timothée on a press tour,” he shares.
He joined the competition partly because it was a free and fun way to socialize as a university student in New York, where outings can be expensive. “It was something quirky and different, and I wanted to be part of it,” he adds.
The obsession with celebrity looks goes beyond
The event quickly went viral on social media, with one user on X describing it as “a historic moment in pop culture” and another remarking that the competition “proves people’s love for quirky local events.”
While the real Timothée did make an appearance and posed with some of the lookalikes, Miles missed the opportunity to meet the actor.
“He showed up just as the police arrived to shut things down, so I had already relocated to the secondary event spot. I’m really disappointed I didn’t get the chance to meet him,” Miles shared.
Musician Uses Harry Styles Lookalike Contest to Gain Publicity
Oscar Journeaux, a 22-year-old musician, recently made headlines by winning a Harry Styles lookalike competition in central London. His motivation? To boost his music career.
“I saw it as a chance to get some exposure,” Oscar shares. “Breaking into the music industry is tough, so you have to grab every opportunity to put yourself out there.”
Oscar, who recalls missing a train because a persistent fan insisted on an autograph, believes people often overthink such events. “At the end of the day, most of us are just millennials and Gen Z looking for ways to pass the time,” he adds.
Keenan Gregor, another contestant who entered as a blonde Harry, admits his goal was to participate in something with viral potential.
The competition, organized by journalist Katrina Mirpuri, brought a lively crowd to Soho Square. “After all the gloomy news, I thought people could use some lighthearted fun,” Katrina explains. Though she feared no one would attend, the square was buzzing with lookalikes and excited fans.
Even though the seven contestants bore only a passing resemblance to Harry Styles, the energy was undeniable. “The crowd cheered wildly for each contestant as they took their turn to twirl on stage. Clearly, they were doing something right,” Katrina reflects.
The event became a joyful moment for fans and participants alike, proving that a little creativity can bring people together in unexpected ways.
Katrina explains that the goal of the event wasn’t about who resembled Harry the most. Instead, it was a way for people to come together and celebrate each other in a positive way, especially when social media often seems full of negativity. She’s now planning another competition, this time focused on older celebrities like Hugh Grant.
Jaipreet Hundal, who was named the best Dev Patel lookalike in San Francisco, reflects on the experience with fondness. “The best part was when people thought I was the real Dev Patel and were so excited to see him there,” he shares. Jaipreet, 25, says looking like the actor has offered him a taste of celebrity life. He believes the trend is gaining popularity because it’s a fun way for people to connect and enjoy themselves.
Sudev Namboodiri, who traveled long distances to take part in the contest and is often told he resembles Dev Patel, says the competition wasn’t about winning. “It’s more about meeting new people, and it was amazing to see so many young people come out to just have a good time,” he explains. He adds that after the tense U.S. election, events like this offer people a chance to disconnect and unwind.
For Julyus Odreman, a Venezuelan who has spent years being mistaken for Zayn Malik, the experience has been an amusing one, though he humbly disagrees with the comparison. “I don’t think I’m anywhere near as handsome,” he laughs. His friends, however, are convinced of his resemblance, often calling him by Zayn’s name. This has led to interesting moments, like when he had to pretend to be Zayn to avoid disappointing a friend’s young child who was eager to meet the star. “I didn’t want to ruin his excitement, so I just played along,” Julyus admits.
In New York, he will take part in a lookalike contest organized by Jaz Arnold, who was inspired by the Timothée Chalamet event. Jaz is thrilled to see so many people eager to channel Zayn’s image. “Zayn is incredibly handsome, so it’s funny and bold that people think they can match his looks,” she says. For Jaz, the competition is more than just a fun event; it’s a way to bring people together in a city where it can be difficult to feel a sense of community. She believes such lighthearted events offer a much-needed break from the pressures of social media and the world’s challenges. “Young people are looking for an escape, even if it’s just for a few hours.
