With just days to go to the 2025 Oscars ceremony, Timothée Chalamet's biopic about Bob Dylan, titled A Complete Unknown, is being touted as one of the biggest contenders of the year. Following its digital release, the film not only tells the story of the legendary folk singer's rise to fame but also has propelled Chalamet to the forefront of Oscar nominations. Directed by James Mangold, known for his work on films like Ford v. Ferrari and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, A Complete Unknown has captivated audiences with its portrayal of Dylan during the 1960s—a time marked by rebellion and musical experimentation.
Chalamet, who portrays Dylan, has received widespread acclaim for his performance, earning five Oscar nominations for the film, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, and two additional acting nods for Edward Norton and Monica Barbaro. While A Complete Unknown has clinched eight nominations overall, it faced stiff competition from films like The Brutalist, featuring Adrien Brody, who is often seen as Chalamet's primary competitor for the Best Actor award.
On February 23, just days before the Oscars, Chalamet secured his victory at the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards, where he won the Best Actor award. His win marked him as the surprise champion, as he had faced tough competition from Brody, who had won at several previous awards this year. Chalamet expressed his passion for the role, noting, "The truth is, I'm really in pursuit of greatness. I want to be one of the greats." His statement emphasized his appreciation for cinematic legends such as Daniel Day-Lewis and Marlon Brando, sparking conversation about the new generation of actors.”
The 29-year-old's SAG win added unpredictability to the Oscar race, particularly as historical trends show SAG winners often repeat their success at the Academy Awards. Over the past three years, each SAG Best Actor winner has gone on to win the Academy Award. Nevertheless, the Academy's past decisions and Brody's earlier wins at the Golden Globes and BAFTAS have kept speculation alive, hinting at possible outcomes as the Oscars approach.
A pivotal moment during his awards campaign was when Chalamet engaged with fans and media through quirky public appearances, such as crashing the Timothée Chalamet look-alike contest last fall. He energized the awards season with stunts ranging from spontaneous appearances to playful antics on social media. Most recently, during the SAG Awards acceptance speech, his bombshell remark about aspiring to greatness left many shocked yet inspired, solidifying his status as both a competitor and film industry darling.
The film A Complete Unknown intricately follows Bob Dylan's life as he navigates the New York music scene, showcasing his controversial shift to electric music at the Newport Folk Festival. Critics have praised Chalamet's ability to embody Dylan's essence, positioning him as one of the most talented actors of his generation. "Chalamet has lived Dylan. His organs and soul symbolize the legendary musician," noted one critic, reinforcing the sentiment among audiences and critics alike.
The film is also becoming well-recognized among indie artists, as many have penned songs referencing Chalamet, solidifying his status as a cultural icon. Indie singer-songwriter Kate Eberstadt even released her tribute, the single “Timmy Chalamet”, inspired by her own experiences. “Timothée is really like the kid next door who happened to become famous. You feel this connection,” she remarked, showcasing the unique bond Chalamet has forged with his audience.
Yet, the battle for Best Actor remains heated, as critics expect either Chalamet or Brody to take home the Oscar. Chalamet's portrayal of Dylan has garnered accolades for its depth and authenticity, which could very well make history. If he secures the Oscar, Chalamet will not only become the youngest recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor but also add another monumental achievement to his growing legacy.
Conclusively, Chalamet's performance, coupled with his dynamic awards campaign, suggests he is poised for success. The narrative around A Complete Unknown reflects not just on Bob Dylan's story, but also on Chalamet's evolution as one of Hollywood's leading figures, proving he is more than just another actor; he is becoming one of the greats.