Misty Copeland is speaking out after Timothée Chalamet claimed that “nobody cares” about ballet and opera.
She addressed the retired American Ballet Theater dancer Marty Supreme The actor, whose recent comments on the art form have sparked controversy, while speaking before a panel on March 8.
“First I have to say it’s interesting that he invited me to be part of the promotion Marty Supreme “In terms of my art form,” Copeland said, referring to a collaborative Instagram post published in November 2025. Social media promotion, which both Copeland and the cast shared Marty Supreme The Instagram account included a photo of Copeland wearing Marty Supreme A windbreaker and a photo of a ballerina as a child.
But I think it’s important to acknowledge that this is an art form that’s not ‘popular’ and part of popular culture like movies are,” she said during the Aveeno and TOGETHXR launch event. The issue of power In New York. “But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have lasting importance in culture.”
“It’s often mistaken when something is popular to be more meaningful or poignant,” explained Copeland, who a decade ago became the first black principal ballerina in ABT history.
“There’s a reason opera and ballet have been around for over 400 years,” she said, adding that “access and opportunity” can “change your life.”
“This is the work I’ve been doing my whole career is getting more people into it,” Copeland said. “So people understand the importance of that and its relevance to our communities and our culture, and you see that reflected everywhere.”
“I mean, he wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet and their importance in that medium,” the ballerina said of Chalamet. “So all of these media have space and we shouldn’t compare them.”
Both Copeland and Chalamet are expected to attend the 2026 Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15. Copeland is scheduled to appear during a performance SinnersThe Oscar-nominated original song “I Lied to You” was led by Myles Caton and Raphael Saadiq. Buddy Jay, Bobby Rush, Chabuzi, Alice Smith, Eric Giles, Brittany Howard, Christon “Kingfish” Ingram and Sinners Actresses Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li will also appear during this clip.
Chalamet was nominated for Best Actor for his performance in the film Marty Supreme. Among his fellow nominees is Leonardo DiCaprio (Battle after battle), Ethan Hawke (Blue moon), Michael B. jordan (Sinners(and Wagner Moura)Secret agent).
The 2026 Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will be broadcast live Sunday on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles at 4 p.m. PT.
