AceShowbiz - Misty Copeland responded thoughtfully after Timothée Chalamet sparked debate by claiming that "no one cares about" ballet and opera. Speaking on a panel on March 8, the retired American Ballet Theatre principal addressed the actor’s remarks, emphasizing the enduring cultural significance of these art forms.

Copeland recalled their previous collaboration promoting the film Marty Supreme in November 2025, where she appeared in a shared Instagram post wearing a Marty Supreme windbreaker alongside childhood photos of her dancing ballet. She noted the irony in Chalamet’s remarks given his invitation to help promote the film through the lens of her discipline.

At the launch event for Aveeno and TOGETHXR’s The Strength Issue in New York, Copeland acknowledged that ballet and opera may not be as popular or mainstream as movies, but insisted that their cultural impact remains profound. She said, "It's important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that's not 'popular' and a part of pop culture as movies are. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have enduring relevance in culture."

Highlighting her historic achievement as the first Black principal ballerina at ABT a decade ago, Copeland stressed that popularity does not necessarily equate to cultural importance or meaningful impact. She pointed out that both opera and ballet have endured for over 400 years because of their lasting value.

Further, Copeland emphasized how "access and opportunity" in these traditional art forms can transform lives, a mission she has pursued throughout her career. Her efforts aim to broaden the audience for ballet and opera, ensuring communities recognize their relevance and see reflections of these arts in wider culture.

Regarding Chalamet specifically, Copeland remarked that his acting career and opportunities owe something to the influence of opera and ballet, especially since these mediums have historically shaped performance arts. She said, "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 relevance in that medium. So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn't be comparing them."

Both Copeland and Chalamet are expected to attend the 2026 Oscars on Sunday, March 15. Copeland will participate in a performance of the Oscar-nominated original song "I Lied to You" from Sinners, featuring artists like Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, and others, along with actresses Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li.

Chalamet is nominated for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme. His fellow nominees include Leonardo DiCaprio for One Battle After Another, Ethan Hawke for Blue Moon, Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, and Wagner Moura for The Secret Agent.

The 2026 Oscars ceremony, hosted by Conan O'Brien, will air live on ABC and Hulu from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles at 4 p.m. PT.