Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg has weighed in on Timothée Chalamet’s controversial remarks about ballet and opera, emphasising the value of live art experiences. Speaking at the 2026 South by Southwest Film and TV Festival, the 79-year-old filmmaker highlighted the communal power of cinema, concerts, ballet and opera.
“After a really good movie experience, we are all united with a whole bunch of feelings that we walk into the daylight with, or into the nighttime with,” Spielberg said. “And we want that to be sustained. We want that to go forever.” His comments drew laughter and applause from the audience.
Chalamet recently told Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas that “no one cares about” ballet and opera, admitting he had “lost 14 cents in viewership” with his statement.
The remarks sparked widespread criticism from the arts community, including ballet stars Misty Copeland and Tiler Peck, opera singers Andrea Bocelli and Isabelle Leonard, and institutions such as the Metropolitan Opera.
Fans and industry figures have also taken to social media to challenge Chalamet’s comments, calling them dismissive of respected art forms.
The actor, nominated for Best Actor at the upcoming Oscars for ‘Marty Supreme’, has not publicly responded to the backlash.
