If the Oscars rumor mill had a background score, it would currently be set to opera. Timothée Chalamet stirred a full-blown cultural debate after declaring that few people truly care about ballet and opera. The remark drew swift backlash, with some critics even suggesting the controversy could cost him his Oscar.

Yet, it appears birds of a feather indeed flock together, because a Marty Supreme co-star has now claimed Chalamet’s comments actually did opera a favor.

Kevin O’Leary, host of Shark Tank and recent Marty Supreme star, defended co-star Timothée Chalamet on the Oscars red carpet ahead of the 98th Academy Awards. Speaking to Variety and CNN, O’Leary said Chalamet’s controversial comments about opera actually did the art forms a favor by drawing attention to it.

"The kid is a great kid," O’Leary told Variety on the red carpet. He emphasized that Chalamet took unfair criticism, but his remarks unintentionally promoted opera houses instead.

O’Leary also added a playful note about his confidence in Chalamet’s Oscar chances. He quipped about a $1000 bet, insisting the controversy would not sway Academy voters and that Timothée Chalamet would still reign supreme.

Has Timothée Chalamet Apologized for His Opera Comments? Industry Reactions and Latest Updates

With Kevin O’Leary so eager to bet on Timothée Chalamet, it is worth checking the odds of him taking home Best Actor.

Timothée Chalamet’s Best Actor Oscar campaign for Marty Supreme is no longer a straightforward affair. Once the season favorite, he now faces a formidable challenge from Michael B. Jordan in Sinners, who has surged in the closing hours, and it is not due to the reasons one might think. Prediction markets and expert polls alike suggest a surprisingly competitive race for Hollywood’s top honor.

Current data illustrates the volatility. Polymarket grants Jordan a 57 percent chance against Chalamet’s 33 percent, while Kalshi lists 55 percent to 29 percent. Experts at Gold Derby mirror the sentiment, and betting lines favor Jordan heavily, signaling that the final outcome is far from certain and fans should expect surprises on Oscars night.

Chalamet’s odds were affected by several developments. Jordan’s SAG Actor Award win carries historical weight, as nearly all SAG winners in recent decades have gone on to Oscars glory. Chalamet also lost the BAFTA to Robert Aramayo, and critics described parts of his Marty Supreme performance as alienating to traditional voters, slowing his late-season momentum.

Even with these obstacles, Chalamet remains a contender thanks to wins at the Critics' Choice Awards and the Golden Globes. His transformative performance keeps hope alive. The ballet and opera controversy, though widely discussed, closed after voting ended, meaning it likely will not influence his chances, which is fortunate, as at least Spider-Man is the only achievement he lost because of ballet.

'I Felt Like a Fraud': Doja Cat Backtracks on Timothée Chalamet Criticism Days After Viral Video

Do you agree with Kevin O'Leary's take on Timothée Chalamet's ballet and opera comment? Let us know in the comments!