timothy chalametone of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men, and Kathy BatesThe Oscar-winning screen legend, known for his fearless humor, shared an unexpectedly funny moment during Critics’ Choice Awards Celebrations that quickly went viral online.
Kathy Bates licks ping pong paddle in response to Timothée Chalamet’s joke at CCA
In a clip broadcast on X, the conversation began when the host addressed the audience with a jokeAnnouncing that someone in the room has a ping-pong paddle hidden under their seat and whoever finds it “slap Timothée Chalamet at the after-party.” The comment immediately drew laughter from the crowd as the cameras scanned the audience.
A few moments later, Bates picked up a ping-pong paddle from under his seat, which immediately became the center of attention. Giving in completely to the joke, he dramatically licked the paddle, causing a wave of cheers and laughter from the audience. Almost immediately afterward, Bates reacted to his bold move by saying, “I can’t believe I did that,” as the room echoed again.
The host then responded by jokingly saying, “Kathy Bates, you’re lucky,” which prompted a further reaction from the crowd. The entire moment, Chalamet remained silent, as the attention was focused solely on Bates’ spontaneous reaction and the audience’s amused reaction.
The clip quickly spread on social media, with fans praising Bates for her unfiltered sense of humor and willingness to fully commit. Many viewers said that amid the lavish speeches and formal atmosphere associated with awards ceremonies, the moment felt fresh and unscripted.
Instead of overshadowing the night, the exchange added lightness to the Critics’ Choice Awards, reminding the audience why live events continue to deliver memorable moments. With a joke, a ping-pong paddle, and Kathy Bates’ impeccable comedic timing, the CCA afterparty chatter was set before it even started.