At the 2026 Critics Choice Awards, Hacks stars Meg Stalter and Paul W. Downs stole the spotlight by recreating one of the most talked-about celebrity looks of the past year.
The duo arrived on the red carpet wearing matching bright orange Chrome Hearts outfits identical to those worn by Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner a month earlier at a Beverly Hills movie premiere.
From the clothing to the posture, Stalter and Downs committed fully to the parody, mimicking the famous couple’s poses for photographers.
According to USA Today, Downs said the idea was long in the making. “Our stylists planned this last July for us,” he said.
Every detail was carefully considered. Downs carried a distinctive black bag shaped like a ping-pong paddle, a clear nod to Chalamet’s recent film Marty Supreme, in which the actor portrays a table tennis player inspired by the late champion Marty Reisman. The tribute went beyond fashion, turning the red carpet appearance into a visual punchline that quickly went viral.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Downs joked that practicality also played a role in the decision.
“We’ve been shooting Season 5 of Hacks and haven’t had a lot of time to shop or pull, so we just borrowed from friends,” he said.
Stalter added her own comedic twist, saying, “My really close friend, I’m not going to name any names, but she let me borrow this dress. Fits like a glove.”
In a viral Instagram video shared after the event, the pair said they enjoyed Marty Supreme, though Stalter admitted she had not yet seen the film.
The clip sparked mixed but mostly amused reactions online.
“She sounds just like her too,” one Instagram user, Sally Lee, wrote. Another commenter, Ample Ash, joked, “DON’T DO IT. DON’T YOU FREAKIN DO IT!” Julia Kings added simply, “Megan is so funny.”
The moment added to Stalter’s growing reputation for unconventional red carpet choices.
At the 2025 Emmy Awards, she skipped a traditional gown and instead appeared in a T-shirt and jeans, later telling Variety she believed denim should return to major award shows.
She also carried a bag reading “Cease Fire!” which she said was meant to draw attention to ongoing violence in Israel and Palestine.
“I think people need to bring back jeans on the red carpet,” Stalter said at the time. “There’s no rules. You’re allowed to do what you want.”
She added that using high-profile moments to speak out mattered.
“What’s the point of being at these big events if you’re not going to use your privilege?” she asked boldly.