Viola Davis responds to Timothée Chalamet calling her 'one of the greats'

It's been quite a year for Timothée Chalamet who was one of the most talked about actors this awards season, thanks to his stellar performance in A Complete Unknown. As he portrayed legendary singer Bob Dylan on the big screen, while mastering his music, mannerisms and metamorphosis, his performance in Dune was also nothing short of admirable.

The actor took home his first ever Screen Actors Guild Award, becoming the youngest ever actor to take the coveted award home. As he accepted the award on stage, he named a few actors, performers, even a sportsman, who has continued to inspire him. One of those names was Viola Davis.

Davis has been a household name in the industry for years, having been the first woman of color to have won an Emmy, and the first Black woman to take home five Screen Actors Guild awards. She also has achieved the rare EGOT status, making her one of the few who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony.

Chalamet's speech, although inspiring, also brought in quite a few sour reactions as many pointed out his speech as being 'egoistic' and how he should have more humility. Davis opened up on her thoughts on the actor's words on stage as she spoke to Access Hollywood.

The actress said that the video was shown to her by her daughter Genesis, who loves Timothée Chalamet. She then adds,

“It was a speech about excellence. It wasn’t about celebrity, it wasn’t about ego. I completely understood it, and it was beautiful."

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Why did Timothée Chalamet get criticized for his speech?

Timothée Chalamet spoke about 'greatness' in his speech as he spoke about how he's in pursuit of greatness and how the award adds more fuel to keep him going. After thanking his crew and family for the project he says,

"I can't downplay the significance of this award. Cause it means the most to me. And I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight. I’m as inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis as I am by Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, and I want to be up there. So I’m deeply grateful. This doesn’t signify that, but it’s a little more fuel. It’s a little more ammo to keep going. Thank you so much."

Many perceived his speech to be egoistic, specifically because he says the award doesn't signify him being great. Many pointed out that he needs to be more humble in the business, while most people supported his words considering how hard he has worked on the film. Opinions were divided but certainly, Viola Davis' support would probably mean more than anything for the actor.

Timothée Chalamet is currently working on a project titled Marty Supreme.