Monica Barbaro has not only stepped onto the silver screen but has also taken on the monumental task of portraying legendary folk singer Joan Baez in the biopic 'A Complete Unknown'. This film, directed by James Mangold, chronicles the early career of Bob Dylan, with Barbaro playing a pivotal role alongside Timothée Chalamet, who portrays Dylan.
The film debuted on December 25 and quickly captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, earning eight Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Barbaro, whose performance has been described as outstanding, recently revealed the touching moment she first heard from Baez before the film's release. "Before I met her, I got the most wonderful voicemail from Joan," Barbaro shared with TODAY.com. "It brought me to tears, especially during Golden Globes weekend." The sentiment was mutual, with Baez praising Barbaro's portrayal and expressing admiration for her dedication to the role.
Prior to the film's release, the two exchanged texts, and Baez's supportive words helped prepare Barbaro for the film's success and their eventual meeting. The pair first crossed paths on February 8 at Baez's benefit concert in San Francisco, where Barbaro was overwhelmed by the experience. "I thought it would be overwhelming, but it felt kind of familial, like it was really nice," she described of their encounter. Fueled by emotions, Barbaro found Baez to be both present and genuinely interested, asking her about her travels and the whirlwind of events surrounding the film's release.
The film, which features Barbaro's musical talents as she learned to play guitar and sing Baez's songs, allowed her to immerse herself fully in the folk legend's world. "I knew how talented she was, but her voice is still so smooth and powerful even in her 80s," she marveled, reflecting on Baez's live performance. "Her stage presence is incredible, and she connects with the audience beautifully." Such praise from the original artist feels like validation for Barbaro, who put significant effort and emotion behind her performance.
Baez has publicly acknowledged Barbaro's efforts, stating, "I loved what she did in the film. If I didn’t think she was good at it, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it in general. Kudos to her for taking the role on." These affirmations hold substantial weight, especially as portrayals of historical figures can sometimes elicit mixed reviews from those they represent. Barbaro welcomed Baez's public recognition of her work and expressed gratitude for the kindness shown to her, emphasizing the importance of sharing such experiences with the audience.
One of the film's most compelling aspects is the authenticity captured between Barbaro's Baez and Chalamet's Dylan. Barbaro explained, "Timmy and I didn’t plan anything... we chose to trust each other’s abilities." This dynamic allowed spontaneity to flourish, particularly evident during the first concert scene they shot, where Chalamet embraced Bob Dylan's improvisational style.
Reflecting on the intricacies of portraying someone with such legacy, Barbaro noted, "I think we just deeply understood these people as best as we could, and then we came up with something authentic." With the film garnering significant acclaim, Barbaro mentioned the whirlwind she has experienced since being nominated for Best Supporting Actress. "It’s been crazy, absolutely magical," she admitted, as she prepares for the Oscars. Despite her excitement, she candidly expressed her disbelief at sharing the nomination list with other talented actresses, taking great pride even in simply being part of the conversation.
Regarding her chances of winning at the Academy Awards, Barbaro remains humble, stating, "I definitely don’t think I’ll win. I’m fans of everybody in the category." Nevertheless, she acknowledges the honor of being nominated and expresses camaraderie with her fellow nominees. "It’s really cool to be among the eight for this film,” she emphasized.
With the Oscars approaching on March 2, Barbaro continues to process this incredible opportunity. She is committed to enjoying the moment rather than succumbing to imposter syndrome. "I just feel very special, and it’s such a huge honor to be here," she expressed, hoping to savor the entire experience including everything from the glitz to connections she has made.
Monica Barbaro’s performance as Joan Baez showcases not only her acting versatility but also her deep admiration for the folk icon, evident through every note and gesture she reflects on screen. With strong public support from Baez and the film’s accolades, Barbaro appears poised to capture the hearts of audiences well beyond the awards season.