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The Real Story Behind Timothée Chalamet's ‘Marty Supreme’
Marty Reisman was the man and the myth.
"He was this legendary ping pong player," Matthew Broderick, who used to frequent Reisman's table tennis parlor at 96th and Broadway in NYC, said on the Late Show With David Letterman in 2008. "World champion, supposedly could do a trick where he would put a cigarette on the table and he'd hit it with a ping pong ball and it would crack in half."
Needless to say, Reisman was waiting in the wings, ready to put the legend to the test.
Timothée Chalamet doesn't play Reisman, exactly, in Marty Supreme, for which the 30-year-old has already won a Critics' Choice Award and a Golden Globe. His (third) Best Actor Oscar nomination is one of nine the film has heading into the 98th Academy Awards, taking place March 15 at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre.
But the character of Marty Mauser—hustler, charlatan, raconteur and ne'er-do-well in addition to being a first-rate table tennis player—is inspired by Reisman, whose antics in the sporting world and beyond were begging be spun into a movie.
Director Josh Safdie, who was aware of the scene that sprang up around the sport in 1950s New York, first learned of Reisman when his now-wife Sara Rossein picked up the athlete's 1974 memoir The Money Player: The Confessions of America’s Greatest Table Tennis Champion and Hustler at a thrift store.
He "believed in this thing," Safdie told NPR's All Things Considered in December, "and had a dream that no one respected." The Uncut Gems filmmaker could relate.
Michael Gold/Getty Images, A24
Reisman was 10 when, as a respite from severe anxiety, he learned to play at a public table in Seward Park on the Lower East Side and subsequently opted to bet on himself.
Thoroughly enraptured by the sport, he was 12 when he started hustling at Lawrence’s Broadway Table Tennis Club.
"When I first arrived at Lawrence's there were many players who could beat me,” Reisman wrote in his memoir, per Rolling Stone. “Soon I was able to beat them all.”
Bettmann/Contributor/Getty
And his winnings from hustling at night financed his aspirations of professional glory.
When he was 15, he tried to place a $500 wager on himself during a national tournament in Detroit. But while Reisman thought he was giving money to a bookie, the man was actually the head of the U.S. Table Tennis Association, and he called the cops.
Reisman liked to show off when he had the means, measuring table nets with $100 bills to ensure they were regulation height. Asked why he didn't just use $1 bills, he quipped to the New York Times in 2012, "Why be chintzy about it?"
The lifelong New Yorker also dressed the part of a showman, rarely seen without his trademark Borsalino fedora or Panama hat, tinted glasses and brightly colored shirt and sneakers.
“Tournament directors and referees and umpires—they hated Reisman," Table Tennis Hall of Famer and historian Larry Hodges told Rolling Stone in 2025. "If the guy says, ‘You can’t wear your hat,’ to him it’s a double win because not only is he gonna get to keep the hat, everyone gets to see him stand up to the referee.”
At the same time, Reisman was an exceptional player.
He was a city junior champion at 13 and, between 1946 and 2002, he won 22 major table tennis finals, including two US Open titles and a British Open.
Marty Supreme is set in 1952, not least because Reisman was determined to win the World Table Tennis Championship in Mumbai that year. Spoiler alert: He did not, losing to Hiroji Satoh of Japan, whose use of a then-newfangled (now standard) foam rubber paddle irked Reisman to no end.
A24
He won the consolation match en route to collecting five bronze medals at the event through the years, gold remaining out of reach. In 1997, he became the oldest-ever national title holder in a racket sport when he won the United States National Hardbat Championship at 67, remaining a proponent of the dimpled-rubber "hardbat" paddle for the rest of his life.
But Reisman really had "the time of [his] life," he wrote in his book, touring with the Harlem Globetrotters as half of a comedy-meets-table tennis act with occasional doubles partner Doug Cartland.
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The feeling he got from performing in a packed stadium "was the real reason I decided to make table tennis a lifetime career,” he wrote. “Crowds had risen to their feet and cheered my talent.”
At his own club in New York, he hung out more in his office than on the main floor, waiting for the right opponent to blow away after spotting them 18 points.
“I took on people in the gladiatorial spirit,” he told the New York Times about nine months before his death on Dec. 7, 2012, at the age of 82. "Never backed down from a bet."
No purse was too small, either, Reisman noting, “We’d go out to Columbus, Ohio, for a $50 war bond. I once wasted a trip to Toledo because they said they were giving away a Jeep.”
Meanwhile, not all of his exploits were legal. The first time he went overseas after World War II ended, he stocked up on nylon stockings for 50 cents a pair in the U.S. and sold them in England for a pound sterling, a 400-percent return. In his memoir, he called the endeavor "a small beginning for a personal smuggling operation that would grow much larger.”
But, he explained, "A player who depended on exhibition fees could starve."
Paul Zimmerman/WireImage
On the personal front, Marty Supreme creates more angsty romance for the title character. Chalamet's Marty two-times his married pregnant girlfriend Rachel Mizler (Odessa A'Zion) with elegant, married screen star Kay Stone (Gwyneth Paltrow), none of which bodes well for his future domestic prospects.
But in real life, Reisman eventually settled down, marrying wife Yoshiko Reisman in 1982 and welcoming daughter Debby Reisman.
When he was still playing competitively, Yoshiko "was very enthusiastic about my game and what I was doing," Reisman said in the posthumously released 2014 documentary Fact or Fiction: The Life and Times of a Ping Pong Hustler. "She was also, strangely enough, my table tennis coach during the course of a match. She lived and died in every shot that I made."
At one point in the doc, Reisman noted that he was caring for his wife, who was ill at the time.
"She did everything for me," he explained. "I couldn't imagine life without her."
His daughter told the NY Times that she and her kids had no hand in the making of Marty Supreme—which, Safdie has repeatedly emphasized, is fictional despite his use of Reisman's book as a jumping-off point—and it pains her that her father isn't around to tell his own story.
Still, she said, "He would be so happy that he’s worldwide famous now."
And the legend continues. See how the stars reacted to their 2026 Oscar nominations:
Neon via AP
Wagner Moura—Actor in a Leading Role
“I am truly honored by the amazing news this morning.," the actor shared. "Thank you to the Academy for recognizing, seeing, and responding to The Secret Agent. Congratulations to Gabriel Domingues and the extraordinarily talented and diverse cast of our film."
He added of the husband-wife, directing-producing duo, "Congratulations to my dear friends Kleber Mendonça Filho and Emilie Lesclaux. I share this nomination with the beautiful country of Brazil and the unwavering support, pride and love Brazilians have for their culture.”
Neon
Renate Reinsve—Actress in a Leading Role
“I am so honored to receive this nomination and to be home in Norway, celebrating alongside my cast and crew our 9 history-making nominations which makes it even more surreal," the Sentimental Value star shared. "This film was created collectively with the most incredible group, lead by our maestro Joachim Trier. What an amazing day for us, for my fellow actors Stellan, Inga and Elle, our brilliant co-writer Eskil and Olivier, the editor who makes all our work better."
She concluded, "I’m so grateful our story is being met with such generosity by the Academy.”
Warner Bros. Pictures
Wunmi Mosaku—Actress in a Supporting Role
"This nomination means more to me than I can possibly put into words," she shared in a statement. "SINNERS was made with such care, courage, and love, and to see the entire film recognised in this way is profoundly moving. Ryan’s fearless vision, the breathtaking work of every department behind the camera, and the generosity and brilliance of my fellow actors made this experience truly unforgettable."
She added, "I’m endlessly grateful to Ryan, to my castmates, and to every single person who poured their talent into telling this story. Thank you to the Academy for honouring our work."
Courtesy of Netflix
Jacob Elordi—Actor in a Supporting Role
“I have been enamored by actors and this craft of acting for as long as I can remember, remembering," the Frankenstein star said. "It’s a great pleasure to share a stage with all of my heroes past and present. I must thank my dear friend Guillermo del Toro and my partners, Oscar and Mia, and our whole creative team. I love this creature and I love the movies. Thank you to everyone at the academy and to everyone out there watching movies.”
Taylor Hill/FilmMagic
Benicio del Toro—Actor in a Supporting Role
“This is crazy!" the One Battle After Another actor shared. "Waking up to this is the best breakfast an actor can get. Thank you so much to the Academy for this recognition. To be acknowledged among this remarkable group of my peers, including my costar Sean, who have all done astounding work, is truly humbling."
He continued, "The role of Sensei was a gift and collaborating with Paul and Leo to bring him and his world to life, and to tell such a timely story, in such an epic way, was pure joy for me as an actor, a human being and a lover of movies. In the words of Sensei, Ocean waves for everyone!”
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Emma Stone—Actress in a Leading Role
“Thank you to the Academy for these nominations and to everyone who poured their hearts into Bugonia," Emma said in a statement. "None of this exists without our director, Yorgos [Lanthimos]. I am forever grateful for our creative partnership and friendship. I share this recognition with the beyond brilliant Jesse Plemons and our remarkable cast, crew, and producers. To be in the company of all of these incredible nominees is a true honor, and I’m deeply thankful.”
Neon
Stellan Skarsgard—Actor in a Supporting Role
“I’m deeply grateful and happy for this nomination, and for the extraordinary recognition the film has received," Stellan wrote in response to his first-ever Oscars nod. "That no Norwegian film has ever been honored with so many nominations is both humbling and moving. This was a small film made with great care, and to see it connect with a broader audience in this way means a great deal to all of us as we don’t have the same budgets for marketing on a big scale. The traveling circus continues! I look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating together soon.”
Rob Latour/Shutterstock
Leonardo DiCaprio—Actor in a Leading Role
“Making this film was one of the most meaningful and collaborative experiences of my life," Leo wrote in a statement. "It was made possible by the generosity, courage, and talent of an extraordinary cast—Teyana [Taylor], Chase [Infiniti], Benny [del Toro], Sean [Penn], Regina [Hall]—and by the commitment of our entire crew."
"None of this would have been possible without Paul [Thomas Anderson]'s vision, dedication, and belief in this film," Leo continued. "He brought to life a complex story that feels deeply relevant to the world we’re living in, and I’m honored the Academy has recognized it in this moment."
"Congratulations to my fellow nominees for their remarkable work this season," Leo concluded, "and thank you again to the Academy.”
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Kate Hudson—Actress in a Leading Role
“What an incredible feeling and moment to have been nominated!" Kate wrote in a statement. "My heart is filled with gratitude and joy. I’m so thrilled to celebrate with all the amazing women in this category. Being in Song Sung Blue has been one of the great honors of my life.”
Neon
Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas—Actress in a Supporting Role
"I can’t believe this has happened," the Sentimental Value star sahred. "I am so happy and proud of Elle, Stellan and Renate for this recognition of their amazing performances in our film, as well as for our wonderful editor Olivier."
As for the film's director, she added, "None of this would be possible without Joachim’s vision and leadership as our director, and the script he wrote with Eskil – this beautiful story and these characters have enriched my life so much. This is a historic day for Norwegian cinema. This nomination means the world to me, and I have to thank my family for being so supportive and loving and patient, especially my husband and son, who I love more than life itself – thank you thank you thank you!”
Monica Schipper/Getty Images
Rose Byrne—Actress in a Leading Role
"It feels so surreal, and I just screamed," she told Deadline shortly after nominations were announced. "I screamed, I screamed, I screamed. I just cannot believe it. It’s such an honor and there’s no words to describe the feeling.”
“I am speechless and beyond honored to be amongst this extraordinary group of women: Jessie [Buckley], Renate [Reinsve], Kate [Hudson], and Emma [Stone]," Byrne added in a later statement. "This is a radical film and was the gift of a lifetime to play Linda. I am so humbled to be recognized by the academy for this punk rock film and to be included amongst the astounding performances this year. This recognition is beyond my wildest dreams, and I share this with Mary Bronstein.”
Monica Schipper / Staff / GETTY IMAGES
Ethan Hawke - Actor in a Leading Role
"Playing Larry Hart was the greatest challenge of my 40 year acting career," the Blue Moon star confessed in a statement. "To make this film alongside one of my best friends, the incomparable Richard Linklater, was an honor in itself."
He added, "Today I’m thinking back to the first time I read Robert Kaplow’s brilliant, now Oscar-nominated script, which so vividly captures the dangers and the joy in pursuing an artistic life. Thank you to The Academy for recognizing our work, and with it the work of our cast, crew, and the entire company of artists who came together in Ireland to realize BLUE MOON.”
Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Palm Springs International Film Society
Elle Fanning—Actress in a Supporting Role
"IS THIS REAL!?!?!?!" the Sentimental Value star wrote on Instagram following the nomiantions. "IS THIS A DREAM!?!?!?! I can’t catch my breath. I am in absolute shock. What an honor to have my first Academy Award nomination be for a film that acknowledges the power of moviemaking and family! My Mom, Grandma, Sister, and Aunt were here with me this morning to scream and hug and cry."
And, with each of the film's stars nominated, Elle added, "I am filled with so much love. The whole house got nominated!!!"
Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Teyana Taylor—Actress in a Supporting Role
"To be an Academy Award nominee is beyond anything I ever allowed myself to fully believe was possible," the One Battle After Another star shared in a statement. "I am so deeply emotional, so humbled, and so grateful for every person who has walked this road with me & honored to be nominated alongside these amazing women in my category."
She continued, "My career has been filled with battles, doubts, and moments of deep uncertainty. It has felt like one long fight for space, for respect, and for opportunity. But today feels like a gentle reminder that dreams really do survive… even when the journey is hard. Today feels like a soft, beautiful 'yes' from the universe."
"And as I always say… the wait was not punishment," Teyana added, "it was preparation for what was already written."
Chelsea Lauren/Shutterstock
Jessie Buckley—Actress in a Leading Role
"It’s an absolute honour to be recognised by the Academy," the Hamnet star shared. "I am so proud to be standing beside all these extraordinary artists and fellow nominees whose work has inspired me and moved me!"
"Chloé Zhao you cracked my heart wide open when you asked me to step into Maggie O’Farrell’s world and create our Agnes beside you," she added. "Paul [Mescal], there is no Agnes without you. I’m so grateful to have been part of this story with the incredible village of artists I shared it with."
She concluded, "To make anything at all is an absolute triumph, and this recognition belongs to every artist who bravely pours themselves into the work and journeys towards the undiscovered landscapes of their souls. I’m delighted, deeply grateful and humbled to be part of this community. Thank you.”
Marion Curtis/StarPix for Warne Bros/Shutterstock
Amy Madigan—Actress in a Supporting Role
"Words cannot express my gratitude to the Academy for this recognition," the Weapons stat shared in a statement. " It’s hard to believe that it’s been forty years since I received my first Academy Award nomination for TWICE IN A LIFETIME, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I would get to experience this moment for the second time in my career."
As for her role in the horror movie, Amy addd, "Playing Aunt Gladys and seeing the world fall in love with this character over the last few months has been one of the greatest joys of my life. I feel so humbled to receive this nomination and to stand alongside the brilliant actresses in this category."
Knopf/Doubleday
Hamnet Author Maggie O'Farrell
After the film adaptation of her novel was nominated for Best Picture, among other categories, Maggie described it as "astonishing and joyous news."
"’m so grateful to the Academy for these nominations, which recognise and celebrate the work of so many talented individuals who worked on Hamnet," she added. "When I was writing the novel, it never occured to me that such a turn of events would be possible: I’m having to pinch myself at regular intervals because it all seems like a dream."
(Originally published Jan. 11, 2026, at 12 a.m. PT)
Watch the Oscars 2026 Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
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