Timothée Chalamet, one of Hollywood’s most in-demand leading men, and Kathy Bates, the Oscar-winning screen legend known for her fearless humor, shared an unexpectedly funny moment during the Critics Choice Awards festivities that quickly went viral online.
Kathy Bates licks ping pong paddle in response to Timothee Chalamet ‘spank joke at CCA
In a clip circulating on X, the exchange began when the host addressed the audience with a joke, announcing that someone in the room had a ping-pong paddle hidden under their seat and that whoever found it would get to “spank Timothée Chalamet at the afterparty.” The comment immediately drew laughter from the crowd as cameras scanned the audience.
Moments later, Bates lifted a ping-pong paddle from beneath her seat, instantly becoming the center of attention. Leaning fully into the joke, she dramatically licked the paddle, prompting a wave of cheers and laughter from the audience. Almost immediately after, Bates reacted to her own bold move, exclaiming, “I can’t believe I did that,” as the room erupted again.
The host then playfully responded, calling out, “Kathy Bates, lucky you,” which only amplified the crowd’s reaction. Throughout the moment, Chalamet remained silent, as the focus stayed squarely on Bates’ spontaneous response and the audience’s amused reaction.
The clip spread quickly on social media, with fans praising Bates for her unfiltered sense of humor and willingness to fully commit to the bit. Many viewers noted that the moment felt refreshingly unscripted, standing out amid the polished speeches and formal atmosphere typically associated with award shows.
Rather than overshadowing the night, the exchange added a dose of levity to the Critics Choice Awards, reminding audiences why live events continue to deliver memorable moments. With one joke, a ping-pong paddle, and Kathy Bates’ impeccable comedic timing, the CCA afterparty chatter was set before it even began.
