When "Marty Supreme" premiered in 2025, audiences were introduced to Luke Manley, who gave a performance that helped the film land a nomination for the Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast from the Screen Actors Guild. But long before the red carpet, the 2015 graduate was the new kid on campus –- a transfer student who found his footing at SUNY Oswego.

Manley transferred to SUNY Oswego because two of his hometown friends, Nicholas Durso and John Reyes, were students here and encouraged Manley to apply. When he visited, he fell in love with the campus and community.

“Wow, this place is fantastic,” Manley recalled thinking during his first visit. “I loved the campus. It had my major in exactly what I wanted to do.”

Discovering a passion

Manley decided to pursue a degree in broadcasting and mass communication, gravitating toward sports broadcasting. He got involved with the student-run radio station, WNYO, and hosted his own show. He credits his time at SUNY Oswego for providing valuable hands-on experience and for the positive influence of his professors.

“I did a radio show and I loved it,” he said. “It was very hands-on. I had full creative control and no supervision. It was awesome.”

He also credits Oswego for giving him experiential learning that can't be replicated in a textbook. He reminisced about his journalism class with professor Arvind Diddi, who nurtured his sports journalism passion. He interviewed SUNY Oswego’s basketball captain of the time for a story and he loved the journalist experience.

“Shoutout Dr. Diddi –- he was one of the best teachers I ever had,” Manley said. “That experience of being a journalist was so cool.”

Diddi was caught by surprise by Manley’s mention, but he quickly remembered him from class.

“I remember his warm smile and warm personality,” Diddi said. “As an educator, it's very touching to be remembered decades later for the impact you left on a student.”

Lifetime friendships

Outside the classroom and studio Manley remembers first meeting his lifelong friends and the fun nights with his roommates. He said that his favorite Oswego memory wasn't one in particular, it was the countless moments and lifelong friends he formed.

“You never know how good you have it to be able to sit on a Craigslist couch, watching ESPN at 11, talking and hangout,” Manley joked. “It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to be with all your friends.”

Manley also mentioned Oswego’s massive community support and engagement with the campus and particularly wanted to note fellow Laker Jason Shi, a 2007 alumnus and owner of Wonzones Calzones in downtown Oswego.

“He’s been so supportive with the movie,” Manley said. “He’s such a cool guy. We would always go to Wonzones and have a blast, and the food is fantastic.”

Unexpected viral fame

Manley is no stranger to once-in-a-lifetime experiences. He didn't know it then, but the confidence he built at WNYO would matter years later, paid off when Hollywood director Josh Safdie was discovered through a video of Manley that went viral.

Manley was out with a couple of friends, when his beloved New York Knicks recently had lost the NBA playoffs, Being a huge fan, Manley was very upset. Manley was interviewed by Sidetalk NYC, an Instagram page with over 1.8 million followers that features nightlife street interviews in New York. His reaction to the Knicks’ loss went viral.

Three years later, Safdie, a huge Knicks fan, saw the interview and was already in the process of creating "Marty Supreme." Safdie had his casting director track down Manley. One screen test later, the rest is history.

“He made the part just for me,” Manley said. “I couldn’t believe it!”

Life on the film set

Upon hearing the news, he was shocked. He wasn’t expecting to have a monumental role in the film.

“All I could think was, ‘are you kidding me?’ I thought I’d be an extra. I couldn't believe I’d be playing Timothee Chalamet's best friend.”

In addition to scenes with the award-winning actor, Manley's experience on set and his interactions with industry big names were the stuff of Hollywood dreams.

“It couldn't have been any better,” Manley said. “Timothee was awesome. We hit it off during our first screen test. Josh didn't want me to be nervous. He never gave me a script … It was kind of nerve-wracking. I never thought there'd be 20 to 30 people on the set watching you … but everyone helped me out. From the production assistants to the head of the A24 studio, everyone was so nice.”

Manley also shared one humorous challenge he experienced during filming, as the story takes place in the 1950s.

“I couldn't stop saying ‘dude,’” Manley joked. “Timothee and I were fighting often during the movie. I say ‘dude’ a lot in real life, and we had to cut two to three takes because ‘dude’ wasn’t a phrase said in the 1950s.”

Manley also reflected on his costume and the set design, which is not his usual go-to style, and shared how it helped him get into character, grounding him to portray the 1950s accurately.

“I was blown away how much it looked like the 1950s," Manley said.

Remembering his costume, he laughed as he recalled his first reaction.

“Of course, it wasn't my style,” he said. “I thought it was so funny, but I loved it. It helped me get into character and it was all custom-made. It all fit like a glove.”

What's next?

Manley currently serves as a routing manager for Mediacom Communication, but the acting bug remains. He recently got a manager, who is sending him projects.

“I’m working on some auditions,” Manley said. “I can’t believe I have a manager now. Hopefully soon you’ll see me back on screen.”

Manley left the set of "Marty Supreme" with a life-changing experience but also, an inspiring thought for everyone.

“When I was on set, I was the most confident I have ever been,” he said. “I’ve usually felt like an outsider, but I felt like I belonged. When you’re in a room where everyone is nice and encouraging, especially when the role was made for me, it was really cool to feel that.”

His experience serves as a reminder that when opportunities and environments make you feel comfortable, you are more likely to succeed.

Manley said that everyone's path after graduating is different. One way to get a head start is to be authentic.

“Be yourself, take advantage of everything Oswego provides for you and enjoy the small moments,” Manley said. “If you don't get a job straight out of college, don't worry. Everyone starts life differently. Don't be scared about the future. Go for it all, and don't ever settle.”

-- Written by Jose Vazquez Nava of the Class of 2027 for University Advancement