James Mangold’s Bob Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, has emerged as one of the biggest contenders for the upcoming 2025 Academy Awards, receiving eight nominations, including coveted nods for Best Picture and Best Actor. The film, which chronicles the iconic musician's formative years, is not just capturing critics' and audiences' attention but also raking in impressive box office numbers.
Since its release, A Complete Unknown has grossed over $62 million worldwide, with nearly $60 million generated from North America alone. Such financial success places it among the upper echelon of recent music biopics, overtaking other films like All Eyez On Me and Whitney Houston: I Want to Dance with Somebody. With the international rollout just beginning, it’s expected the film’s earnings will continue to climb significantly.
On January 23, 2025, it was announced the film had earned eight Academy Award nominations, affirming its position as one of this awards season's frontrunners. Timothée Chalamet shines as Bob Dylan, earning himself a Best Actor nomination. Edward Norton, portraying folk legend Pete Seeger, was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and Monica Barbaro received recognition for her role as Joan Baez, making her mark as Best Supporting Actress.
The film also garnered nominations for Best Director for James Mangold, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, and Best Costume Design, showcasing its well-rounded production quality and compelling narrative. This success builds on the tradition of strong music biopics, following the likes of Bohemian Rhapsody and Rocketman, which have captivated audiences and critics alike.
Barbaro expressed her surprise upon learning of her nomination, stating, “This was really unexpected. I was trying not to pay attention to it because there are so many phenomenal actors' performances this year and I’ve just been like, I’m not going to overthink it. I’m not going to expect any of it.” She is currently working on another project but took the time to celebrate her nomination with Mangold and her co-stars, reflecting on their shared experiences during filming.
Chalamet, reflecting on his preparation for the role, previously visited Minnesota, Dylan's hometown, to gain insight and authenticity. He remarked, “The way Bob Dylan's music sound like North Country blues and rocks and gravel... That sound like Hibbing.” His immersive approach and dedication to embodying Dylan showcased his commitment to the role, which has already paid off with significant acclaim.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre, Ovation Hollywood, with Conan O’Brien set to host. The other Best Picture nominees this year include Wicked, The Brutalist, and Dune: Part Two, among others, but A Complete Unknown's unique connection to music history may give it the edge for the night’s top honor.
The film’s narrative highlights Dylan’s early life, chronicling his rise as a folk artist before his infamous switch to electric rock music, depicted powerfully at the Newport Folk Festival. This transformative moment not only stunned audiences but also added complexity to his legacy. A Complete Unknown stands as a tribute to Dylan’s musical genius and cultural significance.
Director James Mangold, known for previous successes, including the acclaimed Walk the Line, brings his craftsmanship to this poignant portrayal, ensuring it resonates with viewers on multiple levels. With the current momentum, the film's Oscar prospects remain promising, and it could mark another milestone for the music biopic genre.
With strong performances and nuanced storytelling, A Complete Unknown captures the spirit of not just Bob Dylan but also the era of transformation and rebellion within the music scene. The coming weeks will see heightened anticipation leading up to the Oscar ceremony, with fans and analysts closely watching whether this compelling biopic can take home gold.