Timothée Chalamet reveals why he said what he said during divisive speech at SAG Awards after making history

Last night's SAG Awards proved a huge night for Timothée Chalamet - but the actor's spectacular Best Lead Male in a Motion Picture win was somewhat overshadowed by his unconventional acceptance speech.

For those out of the loop, the 29-year-old's victory followed his performance in Bob Dylan biopic-drama A Complete Unknown.

In the huge-name category, Chalamet went up against several Hollywood veterans - including The Brutalist's Adrien Brody, Daniel Craig for his role in Queer, Ralph Fiennes for Conclave, and Sing Sing's Colman Domingo.

It ended up being Chalamet's night and he made history as the youngest ever movie star to walk away with such a prestigious accolade - an achievement he refused to shy away from during his unusual acceptance speech.

He pre-warned attendees: "I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role, and how much this means to me.

"But the truth is, this was five and a half years of my life. I poured everything I had into playing this incomparable artist, Mr Bob Dylan - a true American hero. It was the honour of a lifetime playing him."

After giving his co-stars a shout-out, Chalamet then boldly admitted: "The truth is, I'm really in pursuit of greatness."

He gave special mention to those who inspired him - naming Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando and Viola Davis, Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps, as he added: "I know people don't usually talk like that. But I want to be one of the greats, I'm inspired by the greats. I'm inspired by the greats here tonight. I want to be up there."

It wasn't until afterwards - during a conversation with Entertainment Tonight - that New York-born star opened up on the reasoning for the specific words he chose to accept his award.

Timothée Chalamet's speech was rather unconventional (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Catching up with the outlet, Chalamet recalled that his first attendance at the SAG Awards was '12 years ago' for Homeland, followed closely by 2017 romance movie Call Me By Your Name, and biographical-drama Beautiful Boy the following year.

"Each time, my table kept inching closer to the front," he explained. "Now, I'm really grateful, you know - and that's why I said what I did in the speech, is because it's just, I don't want to shy away from that pride."

The actor continued: "I know pride is like, a deadly sin and all that, but I'm just so proud of the work I've been able to put in.

"And the opportunity to do it, thanks to James Marigold (director) and the directors I've worked with - thanks to outlets like this that help amplify the message, so thank you."

Whilst his intentions may have been pure, Chalamet's choice of wording immediately divided viewers watching from home, with many questioning his gratitude.

Not all viewers were thrilled by Chalamet's speech (Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)

One fan who sided with him wrote on Twitter afterwards: "Hot take - this is actually refreshing to see - it’s honesty, integrity toward a goal, not (in many cases) performative humility."

Another disagreed, however, penning: "Cringe - should’ve stayed humble, that’s the version we all loved."

A third chimed in with different thoughts altogether, adding: "It's fascinating these comments.

"Younger people find it to be excellent, and older people demand that we downplay our success and achievements for the benefit of others. Fascinating to observe."