Timothée Chalamet on the greatest actors: Denzel Washington, Christian Bale and Joaquin Phoenix

© illustration by ai

Timothée Chalamet drew fresh attention with an appearance in a Lucid Motors video, where he named the actors he regards as the greatest in film history. He pointed to three heavyweights—Denzel Washington, Christian Bale, and Joaquin Phoenix—noting that he’s drawn to the depth in their work and their rare knack for disappearing into a role.

He added that he has yet to meet two of those idols on set, though he already has one experience behind him: the 2017 feature Hostiles, where he worked alongside Christian Bale. For the young actor, it was a key professional step and a chance to observe up close the craft of someone whose performances he has long valued.

Chalamet made clear he would like to share the frame one day with the other two legends, Washington and Phoenix. Fans have been discussing his comments, while he believes the inspiration such masters provide helps him keep evolving in the profession.

For now, it’s a waiting game to see whether Chalamet gets the chance to collaborate with the rest of his heroes—an encounter that could become a moment for cinema at large.