Miles Mitchell, 21, winner of the Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest held in New York (Stefan Jeremiah/AP)
Actor Timothee Chalamet made a surprise appearance at his own look-alike contest in New York on Sunday, a well-attended event that drew an order to disperse from police and saw at least one arrest.
Flanked by bodyguards, Chalamet posed for photos with his look-alikes, some of whom had dressed as Willy Wonka and Paul Atreides — characters that Chalamet has played in Wonka and the Dune movies.
At times, adoring fans heaped their attention on the look-alikes, apparently thinking they were face-to-face with the real Chalamet.
The real Timothee Chalamet (Yui Mok/PA)
The event, advertised on flyers around New York, was one of several look-alike competitions hosted by YouTube personality Anthony Po. As word spread on social media, thousands of people RSVP’d to the event, which promised 50 dollars To the winner.
But minutes after the competition began — and before the actor made his entrance — police ordered the large group to disperse from Washington Square Park, and organisers were handed a 500-dollar fine for an “unpermitted costume contest”.
At least one contestant was taken away in handcuffs, though police did not immediately say why.
“It started off as a silly joke and now it’s turned pandemonium,” said Paige Nguyen, a producer for the YouTube creator.
Most of the wannabe-Chalamets and spectators relocated to a different park.
On a makeshift stage, the look-alikes were asked about their romantic plans with Kylie Jenner. Jenner and Chalamet are said to be a couple. They were also asked to demonstrate French proficiency and what they would do to make the world a better place.
Eventually, the audience picked a winner: Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island resident and student. Dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit, he tossed sweets from a briefcase to spectators.
“I’m excited and I’m also overwhelmed,” Mr Mitchell said. “There were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.”