The uncanny similarity between strangers and celebrities has stirred up a frenzy of lookalike contests around the world, with A-listers like Timothee Chalamet, Paul Mescal, Dev Patel, and Jason Momoa serving as the inspiration for these quirky events. Photo: Liam Swiggs
In late October, a peculiar phenomenon emerged in New York, where a Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest drew a huge crowd to Washington Square Park, with participants vying for a modest trophy, a $50 cash prize, and the bragging rights to resembling a Hollywood star.
The unexpected success of this event sparked a wave of similar contests globally, with mimicry faithful to various celebrities, including Paul Mescal in Dublin, Jeremy Allen-White in Chicago, and Dev Patel in San Francisco, each with their unique flavor of camaraderie and amusement.
A few weeks ago, hundreds of onlookers flocked to these events, with some contestants even managing to attract the attention of their celebrity counterparts, as was the case with Timothee Chalamet himself, who made an appearance at the contest modelled after him.
Celebrity lookalike contests have since mushroomed worldwide, showcasing the eagerness of individuals to participate in low-stakes, entertaining events that allow them to bond with others who share an uncanny resemblance to their favourite stars.
On Saturday, 30 November, The Edge radio station will host a Jason Momoa lookalike contest in Auckland, New Zealand, with an enticing prize of $1000, which promises to draw an even larger crowd of enthusiasts eager to flaunt their resemblance to the Aquaman actor.
Pop culture expert Thomas Watts attributes the growth in these events to their organic and carefree nature, allowing people to poke fun at the absurdity of it all while exploring the inclusiveness and accessibility of these gatherings.
“Lookalikes and impersonators have been present in popular culture for quite some time now, requiring a combination of skill, mannerisms, movement, voice, and physical appearance. However, a lookalike contest is simpler, focusing primarily on resemblance.”
Watts believes that the broad appeal of these events stems from their easy-to-understand and entertaining format, offering an accessible platform for people to engage in public displays of amusement while fostering connections with others.
The emergence of lookalike contests, starting with the Timothee Chalamet event, has encouraged the creation of similar events around the world, often drawing large crowds.
Photo: ANGELA WEISS
“It’s human nature to appreciate absurd competitions, and lookalike contests have all the ingredients of a successful event – low stakes, friendly gatherings, and amusing challenges. Witnessing numerous contestants with varying degrees of resemblance creates a spectacle that allows people to bond over a shared sense of playfulness.”
Intriguingly, these contests predominantly focus on male celebrities, such as Harry Styles, Jeremy Allen-White, and Jason Momoa, raising questions about the apparent absence of female lookalike events, except for the recent Zendaya lookalike contest in Oakland.
Watts suggests that this disparity could be attributed to a lingering sense of discomfort when ranking and rating women, potentially resulting in an uncanny feeling of objectification reminiscent of outdated beauty pageants.
Regarding their staying power, Watts surmises that celebrity lookalike contests will eventually decline in popularity when they transition from grassroots events to outright marketing tools for large corporations or organizations, stripping them of their spontaneity and genuine charm.
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The uncanny similarity between strangers and celebrities has stirred up a frenzy of lookalike contests around the world, with A-listers like Timothee Chalamet, Paul Mescal, Dev Patel, and Jason Momoa serving as the inspiration for these quirky events. Photo: Liam Swiggs
In late October, a peculiar phenomenon emerged in New York, where a Timothee Chalamet lookalike contest drew a huge crowd to Washington Square Park, with participants vying for a modest trophy, a $50 cash prize, and the bragging rights to resembling a Hollywood star.
The unexpected success of this event sparked a wave of similar contests globally, with mimicry faithful to various celebrities, including Paul Mescal in Dublin, Jeremy Allen-White in Chicago, and Dev Patel in San Francisco, each with their unique flavor of camaraderie and amusement.
A few weeks ago, hundreds of onlookers flocked to these events, with some contestants even managing to attract the attention of their celebrity counterparts, as was the case with Timothee Chalamet himself, who made an appearance at the contest modelled after him.
Celebrity lookalike contests have since mushroomed worldwide, showcasing the eagerness of individuals to participate in low-stakes, entertaining events that allow them to bond with others who share an uncanny resemblance to their favourite stars.
On Saturday, 30 November, The Edge radio station will host a Jason Momoa lookalike contest in Auckland, New Zealand, with an enticing prize of $1000, which promises to draw an even larger crowd of enthusiasts eager to flaunt their resemblance to the Aquaman actor.
Pop culture expert Thomas Watts attributes the growth in these events to their organic and carefree nature, allowing people to poke fun at the absurdity of it all while exploring the inclusiveness and accessibility of these gatherings.
“Lookalikes and impersonators have been present in popular culture for quite some time now, requiring a combination of skill, mannerisms, movement, voice, and physical appearance. However, a lookalike contest is simpler, focusing primarily on resemblance.”
Watts believes that the broad appeal of these events stems from their easy-to-understand and entertaining format, offering an accessible platform for people to engage in public displays of amusement while fostering connections with others.
The emergence of lookalike contests, starting with the Timothee Chalamet event, has encouraged the creation of similar events around the world, often drawing large crowds.
Photo: ANGELA WEISS
“It’s human nature to appreciate absurd competitions, and lookalike contests have all the ingredients of a successful event – low stakes, friendly gatherings, and amusing challenges. Witnessing numerous contestants with varying degrees of resemblance creates a spectacle that allows people to bond over a shared sense of playfulness.”
Intriguingly, these contests predominantly focus on male celebrities, such as Harry Styles, Jeremy Allen-White, and Jason Momoa, raising questions about the apparent absence of female lookalike events, except for the recent Zendaya lookalike contest in Oakland.
Watts suggests that this disparity could be attributed to a lingering sense of discomfort when ranking and rating women, potentially resulting in an uncanny feeling of objectification reminiscent of outdated beauty pageants.
Regarding their staying power, Watts surmises that celebrity lookalike contests will eventually decline in popularity when they transition from grassroots events to outright marketing tools for large corporations or organizations, stripping them of their spontaneity and genuine charm.
The public spectacle of it all
Watts draws parallels between the rise of celebrity lookalike contests and the viral mobilization of flash mobs in the early 2000s.
“These events are not unlike the public displays of flash mobs, where individuals come together to create a sense of community and shared experience. The fact that lookalike contests take place in public spaces allows for an interesting dynamic, where onlookers can engage with the event and participate in the spectacle.”
Ultimately, Watts believes that the appeal of celebrity lookalike contests lies in their ability to provide a unique and entertaining experience, allowing people to engage in a lighthearted expression of fandom and shared enthusiasm.
