Latest news with #WillyWonka
The Guardian
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I won a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest
When I first saw the flyer for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest last October, I thought it was a joke. Lookalike contests were not mainstream yet. It was also taking place in New York's Washington Square Park – a place I usually associate with chaos. But last year a TikTok of me at a London barbershop went viral before because people thought I resembled Timothée. So, a day before the contest, I headed to a charity shop and picked out an outfit that made me look like Timothée's Willy Wonka. Why not? I was shocked by the size of the crowd on the day. There were thousands there and I was swarmed by people wanting photos. Before the contest even began, the police had arrived to shut it down. We relocated to a nearby park. It was later announced that Timothée had crashed the contest but left when the cops arrived. I missed his visit entirely. Once the contest began, we were asked to complete a series of activities, including a bizarre Timothée-themed Q&A. Eventually, they narrowed down the contestants to me and a lookalike named Zander, who was dressed in a Dune-inspired outfit. Whoever got the loudest cheer would win. At that point, I was pretty calm. I thought Zander had a good shot of winning, too, as he looked a lot like Timothée. After they announced I'd won, hundreds of cameras went off in front of me. The sensory overload was next level. The reporters were aggressively fighting over who would speak to me first. To top it all, I had to walk around Manhattan carrying a 6ft trophy and a massive $50 cheque. I was invited on famous talkshows, like The Drew Barrymore Show, and fast-food companies reached out to me to film sponsored content. A highlight was attending this year's Golden Globes. I was with my mum when I received my invitation, via Instagram DM from CBS, which was broadcasting the event. My mum and I both lost it. This would be my second interaction with Timothée, as I had already met him at a screening of the film A Complete Unknown, which I was also invited to. I had been lucky enough to sit in the front row and when Timothée came out to greet the crowd, I said: 'I kind of look like you.' I did not mention the lookalike contest, but he turned to me and asked: 'What place did you get?' After I told him, he asked for a photo with me. You'd think it would be the other way round. Before the Golden Globes, CBS flew me out to LA. On landing, I went out for a breakfast burrito, and the waiter told me I looked like Timothée. He was so stunned to learn I was there for winning the lookalike contest that he gave me my meal for free. At the Globes, I walked the red carpet with the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest. We stood there for three hours, holding signs that read: 'I won a lookalike contest and now I'm at the Golden Globes.' We spent most of the time looking at each other in disbelief, surrounded by the world's most famous celebrities. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion I thought meeting Timothée was off the cards. But just before the ceremony kicked off, he dashed through the red carpet. He stopped to acknowledge me – something he wasn't doing for anyone else. For a second time, he asked for a picture. I was grateful as he didn't have to do that. I watched the ceremony from the trophy engraving room. I took full advantage of the unlimited food and drink, and ate about 30 lamb chops. The voice actor for Moana came up and said, 'Oh my god, you won the lookalike contest! Fuck, yeah, you did!' But I didn't recognise many people who approached me for pictures. The CBS team had to tell me who they were. I'd just think: 'Wow, that's insane.' It was hands-down the best night of my life. Later, Saturday Night Live asked me to feature me in a promo for a show Timothée was hosting, but I was in Europe and couldn't make the 12-hour turnaround. They cast someone else who wasn't even at the contest. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how this industry works. I'm optimistic about future opportunities, but even if that was the peak, I'm still grateful for all the cool things I got to do. As told to Maria Vieira Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Experience: I won a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest
When I first saw the flyer for the Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest last October, I thought it was a joke. Lookalike contests were not mainstream yet. It was also taking place in New York's Washington Square Park – a place I usually associate with chaos. But last year a TikTok of me at a London barbershop went viral before because people thought I resembled Timothée. So, a day before the contest, I headed to a charity shop and picked out an outfit that made me look like Timothée's Willy Wonka. Why not? I was shocked by the size of the crowd on the day. There were thousands there and I was swarmed by people wanting photos. Before the contest even began, the police had arrived to shut it down. We relocated to a nearby park. It was later announced that Timothée had crashed the contest but left when the cops arrived. I missed his visit entirely. Once the contest began, we were asked to complete a series of activities, including a bizarre Timothée-themed Q&A. Eventually, they narrowed down the contestants to me and a lookalike named Zander, who was dressed in a Dune-inspired outfit. Whoever got the loudest cheer would win. At that point, I was pretty calm. I thought Zander had a good shot of winning, too, as he looked a lot like Timothée. After they announced I'd won, hundreds of cameras went off in front of me. The sensory overload was next level. The reporters were aggressively fighting over who would speak to me first. To top it all, I had to walk around Manhattan carrying a 6ft trophy and a massive $50 cheque. I was invited on famous talkshows, like The Drew Barrymore Show, and fast-food companies reached out to me to film sponsored content. A highlight was attending this year's Golden Globes. I was with my mum when I received my invitation, via Instagram DM from CBS, which was broadcasting the event. My mum and I both lost it. This would be my second interaction with Timothée, as I had already met him at a screening of the film A Complete Unknown, which I was also invited to. I had been lucky enough to sit in the front row and when Timothée came out to greet the crowd, I said: 'I kind of look like you.' I did not mention the lookalike contest, but he turned to me and asked: 'What place did you get?' After I told him, he asked for a photo with me. You'd think it would be the other way round. Before the Golden Globes, CBS flew me out to LA. On landing, I went out for a breakfast burrito, and the waiter told me I looked like Timothée. He was so stunned to learn I was there for winning the lookalike contest that he gave me my meal for free. At the Globes, I walked the red carpet with the winner of the Glen Powell lookalike contest. We stood there for three hours, holding signs that read: 'I won a lookalike contest and now I'm at the Golden Globes.' We spent most of the time looking at each other in disbelief, surrounded by the world's most famous celebrities. I thought meeting Timothée was off the cards. But just before the ceremony kicked off, he dashed through the red carpet. He stopped to acknowledge me – something he wasn't doing for anyone else. For a second time, he asked for a picture. I was grateful as he didn't have to do that. I watched the ceremony from the trophy engraving room. I took full advantage of the unlimited food and drink, and ate about 30 lamb chops. The voice actor for Moana came up and said, 'Oh my god, you won the lookalike contest! Fuck, yeah, you did!' But I didn't recognise many people who approached me for pictures. The CBS team had to tell me who they were. I'd just think: 'Wow, that's insane.' It was hands-down the best night of my life. Sign up to Inside Saturday The only way to get a look behind the scenes of the Saturday magazine. Sign up to get the inside story from our top writers as well as all the must-read articles and columns, delivered to your inbox every weekend. after newsletter promotion Later, Saturday Night Live asked me to feature me in a promo for a show Timothée was hosting, but I was in Europe and couldn't make the 12-hour turnaround. They cast someone else who wasn't even at the contest. I was disappointed, of course, but that's how this industry works. I'm optimistic about future opportunities, but even if that was the peak, I'm still grateful for all the cool things I got to do. As told to Maria Vieira Do you have an experience to share? Email experience@
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Epic collab to bring favourite childhood movie to life
A much-loved Australian candle brand has teamed up with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products to bring customers a limited-edition collection inspired by a famous children's movie. Dusk is inviting customers to step into a world of pure imagination with its new Willy Wonky & The Chocolate Factory bath and body collection. The collection — which includes lip balms, candles, room spray, body lotion, shower gel, bubble bath and fragrance oil — will be released in store and online on June 30. Bubble bath. Credit: Dusk The products comes in seven scents featuring sweet and fruity notes and are set to transport customers straight to the inside of the iconic chocolate factory. The most expensive product from the collaboration will set you back $59.99, but Wonka fans who enjoy a touch of nostalgia can also get their hands on one of the lip balms for just $12.99 Warner Bros. discovery global consumer products ANZ vice president Andrew Bromell said the collection would bring to life a world that so many people fantasised about as kids. Lip balm. Credit: Dusk 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is a film that has captured the imaginations of generations and we're thrilled to bring that whimsical world to life in a completely new way — through scent,' he said. 'Who hasn't wondered what a chocolate river or a lickable wallpaper might smell like? With this collection, fans can finally experience those fantastical fragrances. 'It's like taking a journey through Willy Wonka's factory with your eyes closed — a truly sweet adventure for the senses!' Body lotion. Credit: Dusk Dusk CMO Jeremy Taylor said the collaboration allowed everyone to become a Golden Ticket winner. 'One moment you're at home and the next you're a kid in Willy Wonka's candy garden — surrounded by the scent of chocolate fudge, ripe snozzberries and rainbow-drops,' he said. 'It's whimsical, it's nostalgic and it's just so much fun.' Candles from $19.99 Wax melts from $19.99 Decor from $29.99 Room spray $24.99 Fragrance oil $24.99 Candle discovery set $59.99 Shower steamers $19.99 Bath gift set $39.99 Bath bomb $12.99 Body mist $24.99 Shower gel $19.99 Body lotion $24.99 Body butter $24.99 Lip balm $12.99 Bubble bath $16.99
The Hindu
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Melt and Mingle cafe in Coimbatore specialises in chocolate-based desserts
Walking into Melt and Mingle feels a bit like stepping into Willy Wonka's world. If Wonka had traded his whimsical factory for a minimalist café, a space where tropical touches meet soft lighting, comfy seating, and mellow music, it would feel just like this. Nestled amid the hustle and bustle of Coimbatore, this cozy café started as a homegrown dessert bar. Here, couverture chocolate forms the whole philosophy. Co-founder Sibi M, an IIM-A graduate, shares how his obsession with chocolates led him to realise his lifelong passion of building a chocolate legacy. We start off with their Belgian Iced Chocolate, a velvety, bitter-sweet refresher on a hot day. The drink is packaged in a sleek, compact pop can. The OG skillet cookie is a must try. The cookie is made based on order and served in a piping-hot cast iron skillet topped with choco-chips. It is an ideal balance of soft and molten centre with crisp edges and goes well with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream, that adds a great contrast. Melt and Mingle offers a well-curated menu for chocolate lovers in the city. 'We wanted to build a community for people who love chocolates,' says Sibi. The café carries commitment to couverture chocolates. Couverture is premium chocolate that contains a higher percentage of cocoa butter making it richer, glossier, and more expensive than compound chocolates used in commercial kitchens. Then comes the drink that is the culinary equivalent of the feeling of being wrapped in a warm blanket on a rainy day. Their luxury hot chocolate, served in cute ceramic mugs, is a thick, creamy, steaming hot indulgence, perfect for comforting the soul after a long day. Their Iced Mocha, Sibi mentions, is made from Arabica beans, freshly ground, and brewed in-house. The perfectly roasted coffee beans shine as the star of the drink, elevating it with a hint of nuttiness. The triple chocolate brownie, a mix of dark, white and milk chocolate, is a new Instagram sensation. The café also offers a variety of savoury appetisers to choose from. The co-founder reveals plans for launching a gourmet breakfast menu shortly. Melt and Mingle currently has on offer a seasonal dessert menu called The Mango Soiree. The mango Dubai chocolate, mango tropical tres leches and the mango coconut cooler are a fusion of tropical sweetness and are perfect for beating the heat.
Buzz Feed
16-06-2025
- General
- Buzz Feed
48 Products That Just Plain Deliver Results
A suede and nubuck brush, which restores your very loved possessions to like-new by wiping away scuffs and stains. The rubber bristles on this four-way brush remove dirt, the two welt brushes on the sides get into narrow spaces, and the nylon and metal bristles tackle tough stains with a gentle, damage-free sweep. A looks-ridiculous-but-works foaming drain cleaner that's making the rounds and satisfying users over on Cleaning Tok. You press the special nozzle into your sink, tub, or floor drain and the high-speed foam barrels through the pipes to help clear out clogs, eliminate gag-worthy odors, and prevent future clogs from happening on your watch. And it even smells good! A bottle of sulfate-free biotin shampoo with a blend of botanical extracts to help thicken the appearance of your lovely tresses. Plus, since it's a clarifying shampoo, it also gets rid of product buildup on your scalp when you use it! A pack of two tongue scrapers that'll help eradicate bad breath and bacteria buildup to make your mouth feel better than ever. Who knows? You might even be able to start tasting your food better like Violet Beauregard chewing Willy Wonka's experimental three-course meal gum! A set of toss-and-chop salad tongs to effortlessly cut and combine all your ingredients so your dressing can be distributed onto every single piece for the perfect bite. You can use these "salad scissors" on fruits, veggies, and even meats! A cutlery drawer organizer, which takes up half the space of a typical silverware tray, meaning you'll have much more room for larger cooking utensils, wine stoppers, tools, etc. BRB, stocking up on all those kitchen trinkets I never had space for before! A pack of dishwasher cleaning tablets that help get rid of limescale and odor-causing residue hiding in your dishwasher. All you do is pop it in with a regular load and then enjoy knowing you can stop rinsing that mysterious white film off your dishes after running a wash. A TikTok-famous mildly-abrasive pink cleaning paste to erase even the most difficult of stains in your home, from hard water in the bathroom to caked-up grease and food on the stovetop. Seriously, it's earned its loyal TikTok fanbase and hundreds of thousands of positive ratings for a darn good reason. A set of closet organizers designed to hold your bras, socks, underwear, and more in individual compartments, so you can see everything all at once instead of digging around forever to find something to wear (we all have a favorite bra, no judgment)! A piercing bump solution for anyone who's experienced keloids, bumps, and scars with their piercings. This will help reduce their appearance and deliver some partial relief if you can't get an appointment with your doc ASAP. An under-eye brightener designed with a lightweight, color-balancing formula infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing shea butter for a reliable coverage solution that's nothing short of practical magic. An instant mold and mildew remover spray to eliminate any stubborn splotches that you figured you just had to live with — not anymore! Forget scrubbing; just spray this on whatever surface has the stain, walk away, and do whatever else is on your agenda, and when you get back... the mess is gone, and everything looks brand spanking new, just like magic. A cable organizer box for hiding your surge protector and all the plugs and wires sprouting from it. It's practically magic the way all your cords just disappear and your space is decluttered! An under-$5 lengthening mascara because who wants to deal with wearing falsies when you can get an equally voluminous look with a few swipes? This cruelty-free mascara boasts a long-lasting, sweat-resistant, flake- and clump-free formula, so you can bat those lashes without any worries. A pumice stone to make your porcelain throne sparkle from the inside out. This stone tackles those tough, nasty, almost impossible jobs, including rust, mineral deposits, soap scum, and other buildup and stains on hard surfaces. Unlike diamonds, those hard water stains won't last forever. Plus, a Clorox Toilet Wand Starter Kit designed to kill bacteria and viruses lurking on the inside of your porcelain throne. Simply pop on one of the refill sponge heads, scrub the inside of the bowl, and then throw it away! Cleaning the toilet *literally* couldn't be simpler. A teeth-whitening pen, which starts delivering results in as little as two weeks when you paint a thin layer over your teeth every night! If whitening trays and strips seem like too much of a hassle, these travel-friendly pens are easy to use and effectively remove stains over time for a brighter, whiter smile! A sheepskin rug brush — a slicker brush designed to help remove matting and clumps of fabric so your rug looks and feels as expensive as the price tag it came with. If you own anything fleece or plush and want to return it back to its original condition (or close to), then you absolutely need this! A hairbrush cleaning tool that'll help you get all the dead hair and product residue out of your brushes, because let's be honest, your fingers aren't getting everything out and it's not worth the mess trying. And a Pikk-it tool, which is specifically designed to remove the hair that's clogging up the head of your vacuum and making it work less than optimally. You think your fingers can reach all the hair in there, but this nifty tool will prove you wrong and get it *real* clean! A crinkle cutter tool you can use on everything from melons and potatoes to cheese and cucumbers for quick, cute, snack-ready foods. If you've been trying to mastermind how to make your favorite picky eater enjoy their vegetables, you'll feel like a genius with this in your kitchen. Also, who doesn't love crinkle-cut fries?! A jar of Brazilian Bum Bum body cream that boasts a blend of caffeine-packed guarana extract and coconut oil to help *visibly* firm and moisturize skin. And it won't hurt that it also smells ah-may-zing with creamy, delectable notes of salted caramel, pistachio, and vanilla! ✨ Joesoef's sulfur soap, which is dermatologist-approved for helping treat acne breakouts because of the antibacterial cleansing properties of volcanic sulfur. So, if you don't plan on sitting at the base of a volcano and letting the sulfuric springs work their miracle healing anytime soon... this will help unclog your pores and eliminate blackheads just the same (if not better). A game-changing dishwashing spray that helps break down grease and food debris *in minutes*, in turn saving you loads of time by eliminating the need to pre-soak your dishes. Just spray and wipe the mess away! 🥲 A three-step cradle cap system to help you gently remove flakes from your little one's scalp. Simply soap up the included double-sided sponge brush and massage in circular motions on their head, and finally use the fine-tooth comb to lift the flakes away! The very popular Chom Chom roller, a reusable pet hair remover with a patented brush design, so all you have to do is simply push back and forth to collect all the hair and lint from clothes, furniture, car seats, cat towers, etc. Then remove and throw all that hair away. Over 140,000 reviewers have bestowed it with a positive rating, and we agree: If a member of your household happens to have four legs and a ton of hair, this is a must-buy. A beeswax wood polish and conditioner to bring your worn furniture and cabinets back to life in no time at all. So, before you start saving up for a replacement, try out this polish first. It even helps keep the wood hydrated to make the shine last longer! Plus, a leather cleaner just perfect for reviving furniture, bags, shoes, and other beloved leather goods that might be looking a little less than ideal lately... that just means they're well-loved! It's much, much cheaper to spend time restoring and protecting what you already have instead of scouring the internet and spending money for a brand new version. Emergency Stain Rescue Stain Remover, an all-purpose cleaning spray that's basically Dumbledore-level sorcery for how well it removes stains from carpet, upholstery, and clothes like that! *snaps* It can even tackle the toughest stains like blood, paint, coffee, ketchup, and those deodorant stains ruining all your favorite dark-colored tops. 😭 A stainless-steel foot file, which requires just a little elbow grease to tackle those crusted and calloused feet once and for all (or at least regularly). You'll end up with baby-soft feet and enough dead skin debris that you'll need to vacuum up afterward... or *gag* collect it in a cup to throw away later. A pair of reusable Nippies silicone pasties that magically stop your nipples or piercings from being visible through your shirts or dresses with seamless coverage that stays put! You'll be able to wear your favorite strapless or backless outfits without worrying about stubborn bra straps, and if you're a member of the tig ol' bitty committee — you can even get Nippies that offer lift. And a breathable, sweat-proof boob tape kit in case you have a dress or top with a strange cut that wouldn't work with a bra, but you want a bra-like lift. This kit includes boob tape, satin petals to protect your nipples, and even a pair of silicone pasties. It also comes with a convenient carrying pouch you could effortlessly pack in your go-bag! A screen-cleaning brush so you 🎵 can see clearly now 🎵 through your mesh screen covered with bug carcasses, dirt, and other things from nature that have gotten stuck. You can use it wet or dry and simply swipe it across the screen to clean! A cruelty-free pet ear cleanser that'll gently (but effectively) clean your furry friend's ears and help make ear-cleaning time a little easier for both you and the fur babe. Just fill the ear canal, gently massage it in, gently remove debris with a cotton ball, and boom, clean, fresh ears. An enamel paint to effortlessly refresh the surfaces of your appliances (like the fridge, washers, dryers, and bathtubs) if they've begun showing some wear, scratches, and rusting after years of dependable usage. A powerhouse trio of serums: retinol, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid, which work together to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as brighten, smooth, hydrate, *and* plump your skin for a glowing complexion. A pack of Stomp 'N Go pads perfect for anyone who tends to clean up pet messes (well, urine, that is) by stepping on a paper towel. These easy-to-use pads get to work in just a few easy steps: set, step, leave for 30 minutes, and remove. Time to tackle that vomit stain on your carpet that never seems to come out! And a Bissell Little Green Machine with a unique attachment that sprays cleaning solution, scrubs away the mess, *and* suctions it all up! So when tough messes pop up around the house, you won't have to think twice about how to clean them, thanks to this portable, tote bag–size gadget. A pack of furniture touch-up markers and wax sticks for those smaller scratches and scuffs that don't require a full replacement or refinish — seriously, it'll take only a few minutes to make your furniture or floor look like new! A set of interlocking drawer organizers that you can arrange according to your needs and drawer size, so everything currently cluttering up your countertop can be perfectly arranged inside the drawers. A cheery little "Buttercup" butter maker if you've ever wanted to make your own cinnamon butter (to enjoy with your fresh, hot rolls, ofc) instead of driving all the way out to Texas Roadhouse to get some. This nifty little tool whips up butter in under five minutes — and if you're lactose intolerant, you could even use dairy-free whipping cream! 😩 Some restorative wipes to bring new life back into your sun-damaged surfaces and faded furniture so that it all looks brand new again. These wipes work on everything from vinyl, plastic, and painted surfaces to metal and fiberglass. Plus, they even help protect your items from future damage! A clear nail polish designed with a bitter taste to help put an end to nail biting, thumb sucking, and generally putting your hands in your mouth. It tastes so bad, and it's perfect for kids three and up who like to put their fingers in their mouths and seem to be constantly sick. It's safe and effective, and you'll definitely prefer chewing anything else. A pet stain and odor eliminator featuring an enzymatic formula, which goes beyond erasing the dirt of the stain to *literally* eating up the smell-causing compounds, too. If you have a pet or child and have to deal with... less-than-pleasant bodily messes (read: blood, vomit, urine, etc.), an enzyme cleaner like this one is the best choice to banish them — it'll preserve your carpet, furniture, and upholstery, etc., so you don't have to replace it completely. Basically, this will be your new secret weapon. A holy grail soft cleanser — it's a versatile cleaner and polisher created to tackle stains and surfaces in your kitchen, bathroom, outdoor spaces, and even your cookware! Before giving up on your beloved stainless-steel baking sheet, try restoring it with a sprinkle of this stuff. An LED light therapy mask, which uses blue *and* red light to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, treat mild to moderate acne, fade scarring, and even prevent breakouts from happening! Skincare with a luxe flair? We love to see it! A fast-drying grout paint pen because it's finally time to ditch the dingy grout bringing down your bathroom aesthetic! No one will know you didn't hire a professional because this easy-to-use pen simply disappears all the residue and dirt leftover from years of living (aka spills, steps, and stains you don't even remember the origin of). A bottle of Oh Yuk jetted tub cleaner to get into those hard-to-reach places (read: the inner pipes and jets) and wash all those dead skin cells, body oils, and hair from every user before you out of there. 🤢 Just look at the difference in the tub below — how would you even know all of that dirt is lurking in there?!
