NEW YORK -
Actor Timoth茅e Chalamet made a surprise appearance at his own look-alike contest in Lower Manhattan on Sunday, a well-attended event that drew an order to disperse from police and at least one arrest.
Flanked by bodyguards, Chalamet posed for photos with his high-cheeked, curly haired doppelg盲ngers, some of whom had dressed as Willy Wonka and Paul Atreides 鈥 characters that Chalamet has played in 鈥淲onka鈥 and the 鈥淒une鈥 movies. At times, adoring fans heaped their attention on the look-alikes, apparently thinking they were face-to-face with the real Chalamet.
The event, advertised on flyers around New York, was one of several look-alike competitions hosted by YouTube personality Anthony Po. As word spread on social media, thousands of people RSVP'd to the event, which promised $50 to the winner.
But minutes after the competition began 鈥 and before the actor made his entrance 鈥 police ordered the large group to disperse from Washington Square Park, and organizers were slapped with a $500 fine for an 鈥渦npermitted costume contest.鈥 At least one contestant was taken away in handcuffs, though police did not immediately say why.
鈥淚t started off as a silly joke and now it鈥檚 turned pandemonium,鈥 said Paige Nguyen, a producer for the YouTube creator.
Most of the wannabe-Chalamets and spectators relocated to a new park.
On a makeshift stage, the look-alikes were asked about their romantic plans with Kylie Jenner. Jenner and Chalamet are said to be a couple. They were also asked to demonstrate French proficiency and what they鈥檇 do to make the world a better place.
Eventually, the audience picked a winner: Miles Mitchell, a Staten Island resident and college senior. Dressed in a purple Willy Wonka outfit, he tossed candy from a briefcase to throngs of young admirers.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited and I鈥檓 also overwhelmed,鈥 Mitchell said. 鈥淭here were so many good look-alikes. It was really a toss-up.鈥