Timothée Chalamet’s SNL Appearance Generates Buzz For The Oscars

Timothée Chalamet, the French-American actor and now film producer, is making headlines

again with his latest project, The Complete Unknown. His performance as Bob Dylan has

earned him his second Academy Award nomination, competing against Ralph Fiennes

(Conclave), Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Adrien

Brody(The Brutalist).

Chalamet has been in the spotlight in Hollywood for years, first gaining attention through indie

films before transitioning to mainstream success. Recently, he reached a significant milestone

by hosting Saturday Night Live (SNL) on January 25, 2025, during its 50th season. This

appearance was significant, as he served as both the host and musical guest right before the

show's 50th-anniversary special.

To promote his appearance, SNL released a viral pre-skit on YouTube titled “Timothée Chalamet

Brings His Lookalikes to Saturday Night Live. ” The video featured winners of a Chalamet

lookalike contest held in New York on October 27, 2024. Chalamet made a surprise appearance

at the event, making a super viral moment.

During his opening monologue, Chalamet began by using his Bob Dylan accent before

transitioning into jokes, immediately engaging the audience while letting them know exactly why

he’s there. While he is not the first celebrity to host and perform music on SNL, he stands out

due to his unconventional music background. Unlike stars who have previously dually

performed such as Bad Bunny, Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish, all having established music

careers. Chalamet’s musical experience is primarily tied to his film roles.

His setlist featured several Bob Dylan classics, a strategic decision that appealed to Dylan fans

while also introducing his music to newer audiences. His performance of Dylan’s songs on SNL

not only showcased his commitment to the role but also sparked curiosity among viewers who

may not have previously considered watching the biopic.

SNL has long been a valuable public relations platform for celebrities, allowing them to

showcase their personalities and connect with wider audiences. In the entertainment industry,

maintaining a positive public image is crucial and an effective SNL appearance can help them

significantly.

Chalamet’s press tour for The Complete Unknown is a strong example of an effective Oscar

campaign. By appearing on high-profile platforms such as SNL and generating viral moments,

he continues to build momentum leading up to The Oscars.

Bio: Aislynn Cortez is a senior at California State University Northridge, pursuing a bachelor's

degree in Journalism and Public Relations. Cortez is an avid entertainment junkie, always

keeping up with the latest news through social media. She aspires to work in entertainment or

beauty PR.