For weeks leading up to October 27, 2024, posters filled the lamp posts, walls, and bulletin boards of New York City. However, these slips didn’t include hiring dog walkers, a new cafe, or a missing pet, rather, they stated that there would be a Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest in Washington Square Park at 1 pm. Designed by famous influencer Anthony Po, the crowd attracted 10,000 onlookers, all hoping to see who would win the modest $50 prize. Yet, the action really ramped up when Chalamet himself made an appearance, causing an uproar. Moments from the event took over social media, whether it be crowning the winner, taking a picture with Chalamet, or onlookers being forced to leave the park by police due to overcrowding. The contest even made an appearance on SNL, and the winner of the competition made appearances at many of Chalamet’s events.
Ever since then, look-alike competitions have not only taken over Washington Square Park, but also spread around the world. Whenever a new heartthrob becomes the next big thing, or a veteran stars in another movie, it seems that a look-alike contest arrives in some park in the world. From a Harry Styles competition in London’s Soho Square, a Bad Bunny competition in San Francisco, or a Challengers event in Los Angeles, the get-togethers have become a regular occurrence. Junior Avery Maier explained that whenever a video comes upon her feed, “[she] always laughs at the creativity and seriousness of the events; the competitors really go all out!”
These competitions often occur after a piece of media is released (a movie or show), such as a Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams contest after the peak popularity of Heated Rivalry, or a Pedro Pascal contest after Fantastic Four: First Steps. Most recently, a John F. Kennedy Jr. look-alike contest made headlines after the release of Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, fueling an infatuation with the late politician. One can often tell who the biggest heartthrob of the time is due to whose face is on a poster in a major city around the globe.
In a world of so much division and instability, events like these that build community are important. Chloe Devries, a junior, admitted, “I think it makes sense that people are doing this, in such a busy world, these moments where people can get together over a cute guy are a way that we can escape.” The competitions serve as a beacon of hope and comedy in such a serious world, a small event that people can look forward too.
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