Timothée Chalamet achieved a milestone at the 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards on Sunday, February 24, winning Best Actor for his remarkable portrayal of Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown. The ceremony was held at the iconic Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where Chalamet expressed astonishment upon hearing his name announced as the winner.
Chalamet's win marked not only a personal triumph but also shifted dynamics within the competitive Best Actor category as the Academy Awards approach. During his acceptance speech, he emphasized the toll and dedication the role demanded over five and a half years: "I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort... but the truth is this was five and half years of my life. I poured everything I had... Mr. Bob Dylan — a true American hero. It was the honor of a lifetime to play him." His heartfelt words underscored the passion he invested in crafting his character, something he did not shy away from discussing.
The young actor, who is now the youngest winner of this prestigious award for Best Actor, faced tough competition from seasoned actors such as Adrien Brody for The Brutalist, Daniel Craig for Queer, Colman Domingo for Sing Sing, and Ralph Fiennes for Conclave. Despite coming off a sweep of other awards this season, including the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, Brody's chances now face uncertainty post-Chalamet's surprising victory.
Chalamet’s delighted surprise was visible as he took the stage, thanking his mother and fellow cast members like Monica Barbaro and Edward Norton. He pointed out the film's collaborative nature, which made the victory even more special for him. "Lastly, I can’t downplay the significance of this award because it means the most to me," he stated, acknowledging the subjective nature of the film industry.
He continued to articulate his ambition, declaring, "The truth is, I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like this; but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight. I’m as inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis as I am by Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps. I want to be up there." His words revealed his aspirations extend beyond mere accolades, intertwined with the legacy he wishes to build.
Chalamet’s electrifying win shakes up the prospects as he heads toward the Academy Awards set for March 2. Historically, the SAG Awards have maintained strong alignment with Oscar outcomes, having matched Best Actor winners 24 times out of the past 30 years. Winning this award has often been seen as strong leverage for Oscar nominees, heightening Chalamet’s profile as not just a contender, but a serious one.
Despite its accolades and Oscar nods, A Complete Unknown finds itself contending with stiff competition. The film garnered eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, faring well against competitors like Conclave and The Brutalist for ensemble cast and individual awards. The film intricately depicts Dylan's early career, encapsulating important events leading to his iconic 1965 Newport Folk Festival performance.
Reflecting the sentiments of many actors and public figures, Chalamet’s acceptance speech also captured optimism and ambition for the future of the arts, acting as motivation not just for himself but for his contemporaries and younger talent aiming to leave their mark. Chalamet aims not just for recognition but for genuine greatness — something notable for actors of his generation.
Already eyeing future projects, Chalamet's performance has garnered admiration even from Bob Dylan himself, who noted via social media how pleased he was with Chalamet's portrayal. Dylan praised him as "a brilliant actor" and acknowledged the considerable efforts surrounding the film and its storytelling. The relationship between the actor and the musician adds another layer of depth to Chalamet's award-winning performance.
With all these facets combined—his SAG victory, ambitious declarations, and impactful performances—Timothée Chalamet is establishing himself not only as Hollywood’s latest darling but also as a serious contender for the pantheon of great actors. The spotlight shines brightly on him as he stands on the brink of what could be the most defining moments of his career.