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Timothée Chalamet Rocks SNL as Bob Dylan


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timothee chalamet wearing celine homme by hedi slimane arrives at
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A computer screen shows Facebook homepage of Saturday Night Live

Timothée Chalamet’s SNL Surprise

On January 25, 2025, Timothée Chalamet took the Saturday Night Live stage by storm. Not only did he host, but he also performed as the musical guest, channeling Bob Dylan.

Fans were treated to deep cuts from Dylan’s repertoire, showcasing Chalamet’s musical chops. Who knew the Dune star had such range?

Adam Sandler at the 2020 Film Independent Spirit Awards

Adam Sandler’s Surprise SNL Cameo

The SNL stage was buzzing, and then, in true comedic fashion, Adam Sandler made his entrance. With a mischievous grin, he introduced Timothée Chalamet in a way only Sandler could.

At 58, Sandler didn’t just announce Chalamet, he pronounced his name in a hilarious, Sandler-style twist. The crowd loved it, as the joke carried over from the 2025 Golden Globes.

Nikki Glaser arrives at the 82nd annual Golden Globe awards

Glaser and Sandler’s Golden Globes Joke

During Nikki Glaser’s opening monologue at the awards show, she couldn’t resist poking fun at Timothée Chalamet. She joked, “Your name sounds like something Adam Sandler would say,” setting the stage for some comedy gold.

Of course, Sandler, ever the comedian, was ready with his own twist. From the audience, he took the joke to the next level, giving Chalamet’s name his hilarious spin.

Bob Dylan hit collection vinyl music album.

The Deep Cuts Performed on SNL

During his SNL monologue, Chalamet confessed, “You might not know the Bob Dylan songs I’m performing, but they’re my personal favorites.” He then blew the audience away by performing not one but three Dylan classics.

First up, he covered Dylan’s “Outlaw Blues” from Bringing It All Back Home, then switched gears for a soulful rendition of “Three Angels” from New Morning. It’s safe to say Chalamet’s dedication to Dylan goes far beyond just casual fandom.

62nd grammy awards

James Blake Joins the Party

Grammy-winning English singer-songwriter and producer James Blake, who has also worked with SZA, Beyoncé, Chance the Rapper, and Kendrick Lamar, accompanied Chalamet during his SNL performances. Their collaboration added a modern twist to Dylan’s classics.

The chemistry between the two was palpable, making the performances even more memorable. A duo we didn’t know we needed.

Timothee Chalamet arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of searchlight picture's A Complete Unknown

Chalamet Channels Dylan in SNL Performance

Chalamet fully channeled Bob Dylan in his second performance. Strumming an acoustic guitar while Blake and the band backed him up, Chalamet delivered a heartfelt cover of Dylan’s ballad, “Tomorrow Is a Long Time.”

With every note, it was clear that Chalamet wasn’t just performing; he was embodying Dylan’s essence. The emotional delivery had the audience hanging on to every word.

Bold Dylan Choice

In Studio 8H, Timothée Chalamet stripped it back to the basics for his performance. Seated center stage under a spotlight, he fully embraced his A Complete Unknown role, playing acoustic guitar while the band added depth with bass and organ.

It wasn’t the most flashy performance, but it was a bold, inspired choice, especially when he could have easily gone for something safer like “Blowin’ In The Wind.” Chalamet’s risk paid off, proving his commitment to the craft.

timothee chalamet wearing celine homme by hedi slimane arrives at

Chalamet Shows Off His Comedy Skills on SNL

Chalamet’s SNL episode wasn’t all about music, he proved he’s got serious comedic chops. From CPR-giving boyfriend to a barista in training, his sketches had the audience laughing nonstop.

In one hilarious moment, he even portrayed an AI character hosting an educational podcast. Who knew the Dune actor could bring so much comedy to the table?

actor kenan thompson

Still Losing, Still Laughing

In his opening monologue, Timothée Chalamet joked about “keeping losing” at awards shows. He humorously confessed, “Each time it gets harder to pretend it doesn’t sting,” before a montage of his losses played.

Chalamet even practiced giving a mock acceptance speech, but the twist came when the pretend award went to none other than Kenan Thompson. The playful moment had the audience laughing out loud!

The Biopic Buzz

Chalamet’s SNL performance wasn’t just a random act. It tied directly to his role in the biopic ‘A Complete Unknown,’ where he portrays the legendary Bob Dylan.

The film delves into Dylan’s early years, capturing his rise in the 1960s folk scene. Directed by James Mangold, it’s been the talk of the town since its release.

Who is Bob Dylan?

Bob Dylan, born Robert Zimmerman, is a musical legend who revolutionized the industry with his profound lyrics and distinctive voice. Dylan has been a major figure in popular culture over his 60-year career.

Rising to fame in the 1960s, Dylan became the voice of a generation with timeless hits like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” His influence transcends generations, earning him a place as one of the greatest songwriters in history.

Side top view of feet on weight scale weight

Chalamet’s Transformation into Dylan

Portraying a legend like Bob Dylan was no easy task, but Timothée Chalamet was fully committed to the role. In fact, he even gained 20 pounds to embody the iconic musician in A Complete Unknown, adding extra weight to his Best Actor case.

Chalamet opened up in a recent NPR interview, saying, “I’ve turned over every stone. I did all the work, like you just described, physicality, behavior-wise.” He also revealed the surprising detail, “I put on 20 pounds because, believe it or not, I was thinner than the guy.”

Partial view of artist playing acoustic guitar blurred background.

Chalamet’s Guitar Mastery in A Complete Unknown

A Complete Unknown didn’t come together overnight. Timothée Chalamet invested serious time and effort, collaborating with a vocal coach, dialect coach, and movement coach to fully embody Bob Dylan.

His dedication extended to mastering Dylan’s guitar style, with Chalamet working relentlessly with a coach to perfect the iconic sound. Recording live with no room for error, he played authentically. His commitment shows in every note, truly honoring Dylan’s musical legacy.

100 dollar bills on a wooden table.

‘A Complete Unknown’ Takes the Box Office by Storm

Since its release, A Complete Unknown has been a box office hit. Audiences have packed theaters to witness Timothée Chalamet’s take on Bob Dylan, and the film has raked in an impressive $74 million globally.

A Complete Unknown has earned its place as one of the highest-grossing music biopics ever. Who would’ve thought a biopic could have this much energy?

Oscars golden statues

Nominations Galore and Critical Acclaim

The accolades are pouring in for ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The film has snagged eight Oscar nominations, including Best Actor for Chalamet. Critics and fans alike are buzzing about its chances come awards night.

Critics have been raving about ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The Guardian praised Chalamet’s performance, noting he “radiates charisma” in the role. The film’s evocative portrayal of Dylan’s journey has resonated with many.

As Chalamet inches closer to potential history, you might also find it interesting to read about youngest two-time Best Actor Nominee and his journey to acclaim.

Retro microphone on stage.

Chalamet’s Musical Journey

While many know Timothée Chalamet for his incredible acting talent, he’s also shown he’s no stranger to music. In Wonka, he showcased his singing and dancing abilities, performing seven songs that highlighted his range.

These musical endeavors add yet another layer to his already multifaceted career. Seriously, is there anything this guy can’t do?

As the buzz continues to grow, it’s clear that A Complete Unknown is changing the game for mystery films.

Read More From This Brand:

Timothée Chalamet Portrays Bob Dylan on Screen

The Oscars 2025: A Ceremony Amid Crisis

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