Joe Alwyn’s appearance at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday evening initially appeared completely ordinary as he donned a black tuxedo but fans have criticized the British actor for apparently copying Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift’s current boyfriend.
Alwyn, who dated the Eras Tour star for six years until 2022, starred in The Brutalist, a Best Picture nominee, and stepped onto the red carpet with a classy look that was accentuated by a sparkling brooch pinned to his lapel. This is where the controversy begins.
Kelce, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end and Swift’s current boyfriend, also sported a prominent brooch at a major public event recently when he appeared at Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans on February 9.
Dressed in a bold orange suit, 35-year-old’s accessory became a statement piece and now some NFL fans have pointed out similarities between the two looks, leading to accusations that Alwyn may have taken inspiration from his style.
The copying claim quickly gained traction online, with mixed reactions from fans. Some supported the comparison, others dismissed it as baseless, but either way, social media users were quick to descend into discussion about the matter.
Fans also questioned the idea that wearing a brooch-a common fashion accessory-could be seen as imitation and ultimately dismissed the whole affair as online users looking too much into nothing.
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One user wrote in response to the accusations, “Girl please.”
Another fan pointed out the exaggeration by saying, “The ‘copying’ being men wearing gold brooches. Guess that means every man to ever wear a gold brooch is copying Travis.”
And a third said, “This is the most stupid headline ever.”
Joe Alwyn on whether or not he would be interested in playing James Bond: “Who wouldn’t throw their hat in the ring?” | #Oscars pic.twitter.com/rrqw1OOVAN
— Variety (@Variety) March 2, 2025
Is Joe Alwyn the next James Bond?
While his Oscars outfit sparked a lighthearted fashion debate, Alwyn’s career prospects were also a topic of discussion on the red carpet as he finds himself tipped to replace Daniel Craig as the next James Bond.
Craig retired from the role of 007 after 15 years and four movies, signing off from the character in 2021’s No Time To Die whilst also playing the secret agent in Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace, Skyfall and Spectre.
And as part of the oldest running film franchise in the world, fans are wondering who may step into the boots of the MI5 specialist next, with names such as Henry Cavill and Idris Elba tipped as well as Alwyn himself.
“Who wouldn’t throw their hat in the ring,” Alwyn coyly said to Variety, refusing to count himself out of the running.
