Timothée Chalamet isn’t ready to give up the role of Bob Dylan just yet. The Oscar-nominated actor recently took to the stage as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, delivering performances of some lesser-known Dylan songs, which he described as personal favorites.
Chalamet began the night with the energetic "Outlaw Blues," from Dylan’s 1965 iconic album Bringing It All Back Home. Then, he transitioned to the more introspective piece "Three Angels," from the 1970 album New Morning. To enrich this mellow performance, Grammy-winning musician James Blake joined him, providing keyboard accompaniment and backup vocals. Their collaboration showcased not only Chalamet's vocal talents but also highlighted Blake’s musical prowess, making for a memorable segment intertwined with emotional depth.
Adding to the excitement, Chalamet received a warm introduction from former SNL cast member Adam Sandler, who exclaimed, “I love him, too!” This welcoming remark set the tone for what would become a night of creative homage to one of music's greats.
For his second segment, Chalamet opted for a more tranquil approach, bringing out the acoustic guitar and performing "Tomorrow Is a Long Time." This non-album track first made its appearance on Bob Dylan’s Greatest Hits Volume II from 1971. The song's poignant lyrics and somber melody were elevated by Chalamet’s heartfelt performance, as he effortlessly captured the essence of Dylan's songwriting.
The night was particularly special as it coincided with Chalamet's Oscar nomination announcement. This year, he was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Dylan in the highly anticipated biopic A Complete Unknown, which started showing in theaters this past December. The film has garnered substantial acclaim, racking up eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for James Mangold, and acting nods for Edward Norton, who plays Dylan mentor Pete Seeger, and Monica Barbaro, who portrays fellow folk musician Joan Baez.
Chalamet’s portrayal of the legendary artist has already sparked conversations and admiration within the film community, marking his second nomination for Best Actor following his earlier recognition for Call Me By Your Name back in 2017. His ability to embody Dylan, both musically and dramatically, has not only showcased his range as an actor but has also reinforced his position as one of the industry's most exciting talents.
The performances on SNL were met with enthusiasm, prompting fans and critics alike to take notice of Chalamet’s love for Dylan's music and the artistry behind it. Videos of those performances are circulating online, allowing audiences who may have missed the live show to engage with Chalamet’s tribute to the music legend.
Fans of both Chalamet and Dylan are left eager for more, with SNL having provided the perfect stage for the collaboration of acting and music—a dynamic wonderfully represented through Chalamet’s performances. What’s next for the versatile actor remains to be seen, but showcasing his love for Dylan was certainly a highlight of his career and will be remembered as a defining moment.
Given the feedback from viewers, mixed with the overwhelming support for his film, Chalamet has solidified his role as not just an actor but as someone who pays tribute to the legends of music with sincerity and style. It’s clear he has embraced the character of Bob Dylan fully, both on-screen and on stage, with performances likely still echoing across social media.
With the Oscars looming and his growing list of accolades, the coming months will undoubtedly be exciting. Chalamet’s passion for Dylan’s work and his talents as both musician and actor leave fans and critics anxious for what’s next on his artistic horizon.