DULUTH — The anticipation surrounding the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown” and its lead actor, Timothée Chalamet, has proven to be well-founded. Chalamet has received a nomination for Best Actor, as announced during the morning reveal of the Academy Award nominations. The film itself has garnered nine nominations, including Best Picture.
Director James Mangold was also nominated for Best Director, while co-stars Edward Norton, playing Pete Seeger, and Monica Barbaro, portraying Joan Baez, received nominations for Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively. Additional nominations for the film include Adapted Screenplay, Costume Design, and Sound.
This film represents years of dedication and effort, with Chalamet immersing himself in the role by learning guitar and studying music tracks shared by Dylan to portray him authentically. The actor made key visits to Minnesota during his preparation, including a screening in Minneapolis on December 5, where he engaged with local press and celebrated alongside the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Marching Band. Chalamet noted how the landscape of the Iron Range contributed to understanding Dylan’s unique sound.
“The way Bob Dylan’s music sounds like North Country blues and rocks and gravel,” Chalamet remarked, emphasizing the connection to Hibbing, Minnesota, where Dylan was born.
Among the competitive Best Picture nominees, “A Complete Unknown” stands alongside titles such as “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance,” and “Wicked.” In the Best Actor category, Chalamet will vie for the Oscar against notable actors including Adrien Brody, Colman Domingo, Ralph Fiennes, and Sebastian Stan.
Leading the nominations is “Emilia Pérez,” with 13 nods, followed by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each receiving 10 nominations. The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 2 at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be broadcast live on ABC.
This recognition not only highlights the film’s artistic achievements but also showcases the depth of talent in contemporary cinema. The success of “A Complete Unknown” serves as a reminder of the profound impact of cultural roots and authenticity in storytelling.