Kathy Bates Chosen to Spank Timothée Chalamet

Kathy Bates reigns supreme for live TV spontaneity.

The Matlock star was totally game when 2026 Critics Choice Awards host Chelsea Handler made reference to a spicy scene in Marty Supreme involving Timothée Chalamet—who received the award for Best Actor for his role in the sports drama—and a ping pong paddle.

“Someone in this room has a ping pong paddle under their seat,” Chelsea told the audience at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, Calif., during the Jan. 4 ceremony airing on E! and USA Network. “Whoever has it gets to spank Timothée at the afterparty tonight.”

Moments later, Kathy, 77, appeared onscreen holding the paddle up to her face and licking it a number of times while staring into the camera. But after committing to the comedic moment, she quickly appeared to second-guess her actions.

“So gross,” she said from her seat. “I can’t believe I did that!”