Mick Jagger Jokes About Bob Dylan’s Absence at the 2025 Oscars, Timothée Chalamet’s Biopic "A Complete Unknown" Nabs Eight Nominations
Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of the Rolling Stones, brought his signature wit and stage presence to the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night. While he might be a global icon in his own right, Jagger playfully acknowledged that he wasn’t the first choice to present the coveted award for Best Original Song. The iconic rock star revealed that the producers initially sought out another musical titan: Bob Dylan.
The revelation came during Jagger’s presentation of the award, which ultimately went to "El Mal" from the film "Emilia Pérez." Before announcing the winner, Jagger quipped about Dylan’s absence, attributing it to the legendary singer-songwriter’s unwavering belief in the quality of the songs featured in the upcoming biopic about his life, "A Complete Unknown."
"I’m greatly honored to be invited to give this award for the best original song tonight," Jagger began, his voice laced with playful irony. "And much as I love doing it, I wasn’t the first choice to give this award out. The producers really wanted Bob Dylan to do this."
He then proceeded to impersonate Dylan, suggesting that the 83-year-old musician declined the invitation because he felt the best songs of the year were "obviously in the movie ‘A Complete Unknown.’" Jagger continued, adopting a mock-Dylan drawl, "Bob said, ‘You should find somebody younger.’ I said, ‘OK, I’m younger! I’m younger than Bob, I’ll do it.’ So, here I am."
The joke landed well with the audience, adding a touch of levity to the prestigious event. It also served as a subtle promotion for "A Complete Unknown," the highly anticipated musical biopic directed by James Mangold and starring Timothée Chalamet as a young Bob Dylan. While none of the songs from the film were nominated in the Best Original Song category this year, the film itself has been generating significant buzz throughout awards season.
"A Complete Unknown," which hit theaters in December, has become a critical and commercial success. Based on the 2015 Elijah Wald book "Dylan Goes Electric!," the film delves into Dylan’s formative years, charting his rise to music stardom and his controversial transition from folk music to electric rock. The narrative explores the complex relationships that shaped his early career, including his friendships with artist Sylvie Russo, portrayed by Elle Fanning, his mentor Pete Seeger, played by Edward Norton, and fellow folk icon Joan Baez, embodied by Monica Barbaro.
The film resonated with audiences, grossing $111.6 million at the global box office. It’s captivating portrayal of a pivotal moment in music history, coupled with stellar performances from the cast, has garnered considerable acclaim.
The film’s success has translated into numerous accolades and award nominations. Leading the way, "A Complete Unknown" secured an impressive eight nominations for the 97th Academy Awards, cementing its status as a frontrunner in several key categories. These nominations include the coveted Best Picture award, recognizing the film’s overall artistic merit and impact. The film’s technical achievements were also acknowledged with a nomination for Best Sound, highlighting the film’s immersive and authentic soundscape that transports viewers back to the vibrant music scene of the 1960s.
Perhaps the most closely watched nomination is for Timothée Chalamet in the Best Leading Actor category. Chalamet’s performance as Bob Dylan has been widely praised for its nuance, authenticity, and captivating portrayal of the enigmatic musician. Critics have lauded Chalamet’s ability to capture Dylan’s mannerisms, vocal inflections, and inner turmoil, bringing a fresh and compelling interpretation to the iconic figure. A win for Chalamet would further solidify his status as one of the most talented and versatile actors of his generation.
Prior to the film’s release, Bob Dylan himself offered his endorsement of Chalamet’s portrayal. In a rare public statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) in December, Dylan wrote, "Timmy’s a brilliant actor so I’m sure he’s going to be completely believable as me. Or a younger me. Or some other me." Dylan’s humorous and supportive comment added to the anticipation surrounding the film and further validated Chalamet’s casting.
While "A Complete Unknown" didn’t take home the Best Original Song award at the 2025 Oscars, its multiple nominations and strong performance throughout awards season underscore its significance as a major cinematic achievement. The film’s exploration of Bob Dylan’s early years, brought to life by a talented cast and crew, has resonated with audiences and critics alike. Mick Jagger’s playful jab at Dylan’s absence at the Oscars only added to the film’s visibility and cemented its place in the cultural conversation. As awards season progresses, all eyes will be on "A Complete Unknown" and its potential to capture even more accolades, solidifying its legacy as a defining biopic of a musical legend.
