What's happened
Recent lookalike contests featuring celebrity doppelgängers have gained popularity across cities like Chicago, New York, and London. These events, often humorous and light-hearted, attract large crowds and celebrate local talent, despite some controversies regarding permits and police involvement.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Jeremy Allen White lookalike contest in Chicago attracted over 50 contestants, with the winner receiving a $50 prize and a pack of cigarettes. The event was part of a broader trend that started with a similar contest in New York City, which saw over 2,000 attendees. Amanda Hess from The New York Times noted that these contests serve as a 'populist diversion,' highlighting the absurdity of public ranking in a light-hearted manner. However, the events have also faced challenges, such as fines for lack of permits, as seen in New York where the organizer was fined $500 for the large gathering.
How we got here
The trend began with a Timothée Chalamet lookalike contest in New York City last month, which went viral and inspired similar events in other cities. The contests typically feature local participants competing for modest prizes while drawing significant public interest.
Common question
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What Are Lookalike Contests and Why Are They Trending?
Lookalike contests have taken social media by storm, captivating audiences with their humorous take on celebrity doppelgängers. These events not only celebrate local talent but also spark discussions about community engagement and the absurdity of public ranking. As cities like Chicago, New York, and London host these contests, many are left wondering about their origins, the controversies surrounding them, and their impact on local culture.
More on these topics
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Jeremy Allen White is an American film and television actor. He is best known for playing Phillip "Lip" Gallagher on the Showtime dramedy series Shameless.
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Chicago, officially the City of Chicago, is the most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois, and the third-most-populous city in the United States.
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Timothée Hal Chalamet is an American actor. He began his acting career in short films, before appearing in the television drama series Homeland in 2012.
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Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland. Situated on a bay on the east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey, it lies within the province of Leinster. It is bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountains range.