Awards season loves a clear frontrunner, and for months, Timothée Chalamet appeared to hold that position firmly with his buzzworthy performance in Marty Supreme. The young star quickly emerged as the favorite in the Best Actor race, with critics praising the intensity and transformation he brought to the role.

But as the final voting window approaches, the conversation in Hollywood has started to shift. Rivals are gaining traction, whispers inside the industry are getting louder, and an unusual piece of pop-culture lore has entered the debate. Suddenly, some are wondering if the infamous Kardashian 'curse' could be shadowing the Oscar race.

The 'Kardashian Curse' is a popular internet theory claiming that men who date Kardashian-Jenner sisters suffer career setbacks, personal turmoil, or bad luck, often fueled by high-profile breakups and coincidences. Timothée Chalamet's recent Oscar trajectory has reignited this debate: after losing the Best Actor award in 2025 for A Complete Unknown.

With Kylie Jenner by his side at the ceremony, fans blamed her presence, noting he won at events like the SAG Awards where she was absent. Now, as a 2026 frontrunner for Marty Supreme with odds at one to five, some speculate whether he is defying or succumbing to the curse, especially amid rumors he might skip bringing Kylie Jenner to avoid jinxing it. Past examples bolster the theory's endurance.

Kanye West, Kim Kardashian's ex-husband, spiraled with mental health struggles, a bipolar diagnosis (later contested), and massive net worth losses from controversies. Pete Davidson, also linked to Kim, endured intense harassment, leading to trauma therapy and him reportedly feeling "cursed".

Other cases include Khloé's ex Lamar Odom's overdose and addiction woes, Kourtney's ex Scott Disick's repeated rehab stints, and even Travis Scott's Astroworld tragedy, all timed around their romances. Yet the family dismisses it as unfair scapegoating, with Jenner arguing fame's pressures do not cause declines, and Kim decrying the lack of accountability for the men's issues.

Chalamet's ongoing success, including Golden Globe and Critics Choice wins alongside Jenner, suggests the curse might be more meme than magic, though social media thrives on the drama.

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While the Kardashian curse stirs Oscar debates, Kim's latest family addition has sparked its own wave of controversy.

Kim Kardashian offered fans a glimpse of her family’s latest additions during the holiday season when she revealed that her children had received four Pomeranian puppies as a Christmas surprise. The reality star, who shares North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm with ex-husband Kanye West, later posted videos showing the kids spending time with the puppies at home. 

In one clip shared to her social media stories, a puppy was lifted toward the camera while one of the children excitedly reacted to the playful moment. The festive reveal, however, quickly sparked criticism from animal rights advocates. Ingrid Newkirk publicly criticized the decision, arguing that pets should not be treated like holiday presents and suggesting the family instead consider supporting shelters or adoption initiatives. 

Regardless of the Kardashian curse theory, reignited by Timothée Chalamet’s Oscar dip and Kylie Jenner link, keeps fueling debates on fame's jinxes, blending pop lore with real scrutiny that questions if relationships truly spell doom or if spotlight pressures are the real culprit.

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What is your take on the Kardashian curse theory? Let us know in the comments.