On February 1, 2025, Timothée Chalamet captivated audiences during his guest hosting and musical performance on Saturday Night Live (SNL), where he brought Bob Dylan's music to life with unexpected song choices. Chalamet, who has received rave reviews for his portrayal of Dylan in the recent biopic A Complete Unknown, showcased his exceptional musical talent by opting for deep cuts from Dylan's catalog rather than his more famous hits.
Chalamet opened the musical segment with the spirited duo of "Outlaw Blues" and "Three Angels," songs well-known to devoted Dylan fans but rarely heard by the broader public. During his opening monologue, he teased the audience, stating, "You might not know the Bob Dylan songs I’m performing, but they’re my personal favorites. I’m so grateful SNL is still doing weird stuff like this 50 years in." This comment underscored his intent to give the audience something fresh and engaging.
Fans were particularly impressed with how Chalamet infused his own style and personality, distancing himself from merely imitating Dylan's famous vocal mannerisms. His performances quickly amassed significant attention online, garnering over one million views on YouTube just days after airing. Observers noted his ability to reinterpret the songs, stating, "It’s not an impersonation, he just does his real thing," echoing the sentiments of those who enjoyed his unique interpretations.
Dressed sharply, with sunglasses and winter attire, Chalamet's confident stage presence set the tone for the vibrant medley. He was later joined by acclaimed singer-songwriter James Blake, who provided keyboard accompaniments, adding depth to the performance.
Chalamet took another approach during his second musical segment, opting for the acoustic guitar to cover "Tomorrow Is a Long Time." This song, though obscure, is rich with emotional resonance and highlighted his artistic versatility. The song's history is interesting too, as it became more popular through covers by other artists—most famously by Elvis Presley and Judy Collins—before Dylan recorded it himself. Chalamet's performance marked it as one of the rare occasions it has been featured on such a large platform.
His final act was particularly significant, as Chalamet shared something special with the audience by delivering "Tomorrow Is a Long Time," allowing viewers to see the softer, more introspective side of Dylan’s catalog, and exemplifying Chalamet's growing range as both actor and musician. Fans took to social media to express their admiration, with one stating, "I’ve never seen anyone campaign so hard for an Oscar in such an endearing way," likely referring to his notable Oscar nomination for A Complete Unknown.
Many viewers now expect him to not only attain the Oscar glory for his portrayal of Dylan but also to thrive musically, cementing his status as both actor and performer. Chalamet's ability to capture the essence of Bob Dylan, mixed with his unique flair, continues to enchant audiences, pushing expectations of what performances on SNL can entail.
This appearance was not only about celebrating his current Oscar nomination but also about the broader narrative of his artistic growth. To date, this performance can be seen as one of those pivotal moments where he seamlessly blends acting and music, something many Hollywood stars attempt but few achieve so effortlessly.
Chalamet’s multifaceted talent resonates well beyond the screen and stage, and as fans eagerly anticipate the paths he'll take next, they remain hopeful for more of his distinctive interpretations of musical legends such as Bob Dylan. His audacity to break conventional expectations of performance is what makes him stand out as not just another Hollywood star, but as a compelling artist of his generation.