A24’s Marty Supreme is the holiday season’s breakout indie hit. Directed by Josh Safdie, this energetic ping-pong biopic stars Timothée Chalamet and has critics predicting big things for the 2026 Oscars.
The film loosely follows real-life table tennis legend Marty Reisman. Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, a brash shoe salesman in 1950s New York who becomes obsessed with the sport. He rises through underground games and high-stakes tournaments. Safdie’s fast-paced style – full of quick cuts, overlapping dialogue, and tension – turns ping-pong into an exciting spectacle. It’s like Uncut Gems meets a classic sports underdog story.
Marty Supreme started strong in limited release on December 19. It earned $875,000 from just six theaters. That’s a per-screen average of over $145,000 – the highest of 2025 and A24’s all-time record. Shows sold out quickly, especially in New York and Los Angeles. Presales broke A24 records too, thanks to Gen Z fans and Chalamet’s star power. The movie expands wide on Christmas Day, December 25.
Critics love it. The film holds a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with praise for its charisma and ambition. Many call Chalamet’s performance his best yet. He trained for years to master ping-pong and captures Marty’s cocky charm perfectly. Reviews say it’s Oscar-worthy, putting him as a top contender for Best Actor. The movie also earned Golden Globe nods for Best Picture (Musical/Comedy), Best Actor, and Best Screenplay. It’s in the AFI Top 10 Films of 2025.
At the heart of the buzz is Chalamet’s transformative performance. He trained in table tennis for six to seven years to authentically portray Marty’s obsessive rise. Critics hail it as his “career-best,” full of infectious charisma, arrogance, and vulnerability. Many predict he’ll be a top contender for Best Actor at the 2026 Oscars, finally securing his first win after previous nominations.
Safdie’s kinetic direction—reminiscent of Uncut Gems—turns ping-pong matches into thrilling spectacles. Shot on 35mm with vintage lenses, the film captures 1950s New York vibrancy. The eclectic cast includes Gwyneth Paltrow as a fading star, Tyler the Creator in a standout role, Kevin O’Leary, Fran Drescher, and Odessa A’zion.
Viral marketing has fueled the hype. Chalamet led wild promos: fake Zoom calls, rap verses, pop-up stores with orange merch, blimps, and even Wheaties boxes featuring his face. Social media is exploding with fan reactions and sold-out reports.
As counter-programming to blockbusters like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Marty Supreme offers smart, adult-oriented storytelling. Its strong word-of-mouth and awards traction position it as a major player this season.
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