“Hacks” stars Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs had some fun on the Critics Choice Awards red carpet on Sunday afternoon as the pair donned bright orange vinyl outfits in a spoof of the outfits that Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner wore to the premiere of Chalamet’s new film “Marty Supreme.”
Stalter and Downs had the crowd howling with their commitment to the bit. Downs wore a ping pong paddle on a strap, crossbag style. Stalter sported a gigantic cross necklace reminiscent of Jenner’s necklace at the Dec. 17 premiere in New York. Set in the 1950s, “Marty Supreme” revolves around an everyday man’s quest to become the world champion of ping pong. Chalamet and his girlfriend Jenner turned heads last month with their bright-orange outfits, extending the orange theme that has been used in marketing the A24 film.
Downs, who is also a co-creator and executive producer of “Hacks” with Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, said the goal was to “have fun” and enjoy themselves at the awards. “Hacks” is nominated for best comedy series and Downs is up for comedy supporting actor at Critics Choice, which recognize film and TV. Chalamet and “Marty Supreme” are also nommed.
“We get to see people who make movies we love. We just thought, ‘Let’s have fun,’” Downs told Variety on the carpet as he headed into the kudos held at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar. Downs noted that the vinyl material of his suit and Stalter’s long gown was perfect for the heavy rain that has deluged Southern California for days.
“It’s waterproof,” he observed. “It’s really good in the rain — the water just slipped off the dress,” Stalter added.
Downs gave “Marty Supreme” two thumbs up, saying that he “loved” the film from director Josh Safdie. Stalter admitted she hasn’t seen it yet even though she is friends with Jenner.
Stalter and Jenner have a “sushi Fridays” tradition. “We go out for sushi at least once a month,” she said. Chalamet does not usually join them: “It’s girl time,” Stalter explained.
Downs was pressed on whether Chalamet ever be invited to play a role on “Hacks.”
“I’m not sure what he would play, but we would make room,” Downs assured.
