Image Credits: Imago Images
Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet unexpectedly paid tribute to late Liverpool forward Diogo Jota during the Critics Choice Awards on Sunday night, moments captured in a viral exchange with British actor Owen Cooper that has sent shockwaves through social media.
The 30-year-old actor, fresh off winning Best Actor for his performance in Marty Supreme, was filmed by E! News chatting with 16-year-old Cooper – who took home Best Supporting Actor for his role in Netflix’s Adolescence – when the conversation turned to football.
Cooper, a devoted Liverpool supporter who was at Anfield when the Reds clinched last season’s Premier League title with a 5-1 demolition of Tottenham, had his phone background visible during their exchange.When Chalamet inquired about the Liverpool-themed wallpaper, Cooper confirmed it was a tribute to the late Diogo Jota. The Dune star responded solemnly: “Diogo Jota man, RIP”.
Owen and Timothée! 😁 #CriticsChoice #AwardsSeason #LiveFromE pic.twitter.com/doSxNbQbCJ
— E! Entertainment (@eentertainment) January 5, 2026
The tribute at the Critics Choice Awards came just over a week after an emotional day at Anfield on December 27, when Liverpool faced Wolves – Jota’s two former Premier League clubs – for the first time since his passing. Two of Jota’s sons, Dinis and Duarte, served as matchday mascots and walked out alongside Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, while Rute Cardoso watched from the stands as Anfield sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” in honour of her late husband
Jota scored 65 goals in 182 appearances during his Liverpool career, helping the club secure the Premier League title, FA Cup, and League Cup. He also earned 49 caps for Portugal, winning the UEFA Nations League twice, with his final international appearance coming in the Nations League final victory over Spain on June 8, 2025.
Liverpool have since retired his number 20 shirt and announced plans for a permanent memorial at Anfield to honour both Jota and André Silva.
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