Timothée Chalamet Surprised with Video Message from His High School Drama Teacher on Oscars Night

Mar. 15, 2025

Harry Shifman and Timothée Chalamet.Photo:60 Minutes/YouTube;  Arturo Holmes/WireImage

60 Minutes/YouTube;  Arturo Holmes/WireImage

Timothée Chalamet’s high school drama teacher shared a heartwarming message with his former student ahead of the2025 Oscars.When Chalamet, 29, appeared on the Academy Awards' red carpet on Sunday, March 2,Access Hollywoodshowed a video from Harry Shifman, Chalamet’s drama teacher at New York City’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, to theA Complete Unknownactor.“Well pal, you’ve earned your keep and the recognition of your artistry in bringing humanity to life with wit and passion and grace,” Shifman said in the video, which the outlet posted to TikTok. “Take it all in, feel it and bring us more… and always remember as Bob Dylan once said, ‘Keep a good head and always carry a lightbulb.’ Blessings pal.““Amazing, thank you. That means the world,” Chalamet told Access on the red carpet after he viewed Shifman’s message. “Thank you for organizing that. Thank you.“Timothée Chalamet on March 2, 2025.Monica Schipper/GettyOn Feb. 16, Shifman appeared on60 Minutesduring the program’s profile on Chalamet, during which he recalled seeing Chalamet audition to attend LaGuardia.“It’s rare to see a kid at that age who has both of those things happening,” Shifmansaid on60 Minutes, referring to Chalamet’s ability to emotionally connect with audiences and his “style and flare” from a young age. As Shifman told that news program, he gave Chalamet the highest marks he could “in every category” when Chalamet auditioned — and spoke up for the then-teenager when the school initially rejected him.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“I was shocked. You know, ‘What?’ " Shifman said in that interview. “I interrupted a meeting with the principal — she came out, she talked to me. I don’t know, it’s just the way I am. I’m a drama teacher, I’m acting out. And she was great, she heard me. ‘[I said to her], ‘This is a student we must have. This is a real actor.’ “Chalamet ultimately did not take home this year’s Best Actor statuette at the Oscars —Adrien Brodywon for his role inThe Brutalist— but the actor has received significant acclaim for his performance as Bob Dylan inA Complete Unknown, including awin at the SAG Awardsin February.At the Oscars, Chalamet and Brody were nominated alongsideColman DomingoforSing Sing,Ralph FiennesforConclaveandSebastian StanforThe Apprentice.

Timothée Chalamet’s high school drama teacher shared a heartwarming message with his former student ahead of the2025 Oscars.

When Chalamet, 29, appeared on the Academy Awards’ red carpet on Sunday, March 2,Access Hollywoodshowed a video from Harry Shifman, Chalamet’s drama teacher at New York City’s Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, to theA Complete Unknownactor.

“Well pal, you’ve earned your keep and the recognition of your artistry in bringing humanity to life with wit and passion and grace,” Shifman said in the video, which the outlet posted to TikTok. “Take it all in, feel it and bring us more… and always remember as Bob Dylan once said, ‘Keep a good head and always carry a lightbulb.’ Blessings pal.”

“Amazing, thank you. That means the world,” Chalamet told Access on the red carpet after he viewed Shifman’s message. “Thank you for organizing that. Thank you.”

Timothée Chalamet on March 2, 2025.Monica Schipper/Getty

Monica Schipper/Getty

On Feb. 16, Shifman appeared on60 Minutesduring the program’s profile on Chalamet, during which he recalled seeing Chalamet audition to attend LaGuardia.

“It’s rare to see a kid at that age who has both of those things happening,” Shifmansaid on60 Minutes, referring to Chalamet’s ability to emotionally connect with audiences and his “style and flare” from a young age. As Shifman told that news program, he gave Chalamet the highest marks he could “in every category” when Chalamet auditioned — and spoke up for the then-teenager when the school initially rejected him.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

“I was shocked. You know, ‘What?’ " Shifman said in that interview. “I interrupted a meeting with the principal — she came out, she talked to me. I don’t know, it’s just the way I am. I’m a drama teacher, I’m acting out. And she was great, she heard me. ‘[I said to her], ‘This is a student we must have. This is a real actor.’ "

Chalamet ultimately did not take home this year’s Best Actor statuette at the Oscars —Adrien Brodywon for his role inThe Brutalist— but the actor has received significant acclaim for his performance as Bob Dylan inA Complete Unknown, including awin at the SAG Awardsin February.

At the Oscars, Chalamet and Brody were nominated alongsideColman DomingoforSing Sing,Ralph FiennesforConclaveandSebastian StanforThe Apprentice.

source: people.com