
Why did Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet choose the David di Donatello for their red carpet debut?
The Italian film award has never been so chic
May 8th, 2025
It happened. Regardless of what social media users might think (many see them as mismatched, having idealized the actor and deemed the influencer superficial) and despite Club Chalamet (the number one fan of the Bob Dylan actor), Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have made their relationship red-carpet-official. And they did so at perhaps the most understated and unexpected red carpet of all: the David di Donatello Awards, held on May 7 in Rome. Yes, right after the peak of the international awards season and just before the Cannes Film Festival: cue the plot twist.
Why Was Timothée Chalamet at the David di Donatello Awards?
Let’s start from the beginning. The actor was in Rome to accept the Special David Award, a kind of honorary recognition, a tribute to a young but remarkably impactful career, praised by both critics and audiences. A career closely tied to Italy, especially to director Luca Guadagnino, who helped launch it by casting him as Elio in Call Me by Your Name. “Luca Guadagnino is the most important person in my career,” Chalamet said while accepting the statue. “Kylie and I will be exploring Rome and taking lots of pictures. This is such an incredible honor. Italy means a lot to me. The cinematic culture of this country has given me so much. I’ve drawn inspiration from films by Vittorio De Sica, Federico Fellini. I’ve been to Bergamo, to Crema, I started here as a kid. I feel a deep connection with Italy. I’m continuing to pursue my dream of acting. I want to break every record, like Francesco Totti.” In one speech, he managed to touch on everything: his love life, his career, the Italian cinematic legacy, and his passion for sports. It doesn’t get clearer (or more complete) than that!
il primo red carpet insieme di timothee chalamet e kylie jenner a roma con la scritta rai dietro in bella vista durante la fumata nera del conclave non te lo puoi inventare pic.twitter.com/lyGVuFepqW
— mar (@adorvminee) May 7, 2025
The David di Donatello Awards Are Getting More Chic (and More International)
It’s hard to believe that the actor and the influencer didn’t carefully plan their red carpet debut. Sure, they had attended a few ceremonies together, and Kylie had made a point to support him and be by his side. But this was the first time in two and a half years (rumors of their relationship started in January 2023 after a Paris encounter) that they posed for photographers at a special and elegant event. A deliberate choice, one that says a lot about them and also about what the David di Donatello Awards are becoming. Once considered secondary (even provincial), these film awards are now gaining importance and popularity. Credit goes to our talented Italian directors and actors, who are finding more international recognition (just think of the success of C’è ancora domani, La chimera, and Vermiglio, by Paola Cortellesi, Alice Rohrwacher, and Maura Delpero respectively), but also — and we shouldn’t deny it — to the growing layer of glamour surrounding the event. After Josh O'Connor, it’s now Timothée Chalamet’s turn to charm the Capital, and he chooses to make the moment even more special by bringing Jenner along to a red carpet that’s understated but prestigious (and perhaps a bit exotic for American audiences). Discreet, yes — but more and more official and elegant as a couple. Suddenly, what seemed like a surprise now feels like the most natural - and strategic - move.