Radio National Breakfast Ballet and opera take revenge at the Oscars
Mar 16, 2026
A run-through of Timothée Chalamet's offhand dismissal of ballet and opera and the backlash that followed. How performing arts groups turned the moment into promotion and publicity. Coverage of jokes at the awards, a surprise ballet comeback, and reflections on dancers' athleticism and cultural staying power.
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Chalamet's Comment Sparked A Viral Backlash
- Timothée Chalamet made an off-the-cuff critical remark calling ballet and opera things "no one cares about this anymore."
- The remark prompted widespread reaction and arts organisations like the Music Centre LA to run cheeky promotions using promo code SHALAMAY.
Arts Organisations Converted Criticism Into Promotion
- The arts sector turned negative attention into engagement and ticket offers, showing PR agility.
- Examples include Music Centre LA offering 20% off ballet tickets and Opera Australia promoting youth programs after the comments.
Cultural Backlash Possibly Hurt Oscars Prospects
- Chalamet's comments may have had reputational consequences as his film Marty Supreme won no Oscars and hosts referenced potential 'revenge' from dancers and singers.
- Misty Copeland came out of retirement for a performance, and Conan O'Brien joked about security concerns from opera and ballet communities.