Bob Dylan Reportedly Declined Presenting and Performing at the Oscars — So ‘Younger’ Mick Jagger Stepped in

Bob Dylan Declines Offer to Present and Perform at the Oscars

Legendary musician Bob Dylan reportedly turned down the opportunity to present and perform at the prestigious Oscars ceremony. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed on March 3 that Bob Dylan, known for iconic songs like “Mr. Tambourine Man,” was invited to participate in the 2025 Academy Awards but opted out of both offers. Despite the buzz surrounding the nomination of the biopic ‘A Complete Unknown,’ which delves into Dylan’s life, the singer decided not to take the stage.

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, responsible for organizing the Oscars, did not immediately respond to requests for comment from PEOPLE. In a light-hearted twist, Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger joked about standing in for Dylan, highlighting their age difference. At 81, Jagger quipped, “I’m greatly honored to be invited to give this award for the Best Original Song tonight. As much as I love doing it, I wasn’t the first choice to give this award out. The producers wanted Bob Dylan to do it, but Bob didn’t want to.”

Jagger shared the banter that occurred ahead of his presenting the Oscar for Best Original Song, revealing, “He said ‘The best songs this year are obviously in A Complete Unknown. You should find somebody younger.’ I said, ‘OK, I’m younger than Bob! I’ll do it!’ So here I am.” The absence of Bob Dylan was also acknowledged by the Oscars host, Conan O’Brien, who humorously remarked, “Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly.”

Despite the anticipation surrounding the Oscars, the awards show did not feature performances from any of the nominees for Best Original Song. Among the contenders were Emilia Pérez’s “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” The Six Triple Eight’s “The Journey,” Sing Sing’s “Like a Bird,” and Elton John: Never Too Late’s “Never Too Late.” The exclusion of these performances was noted during the ceremony on Sunday, March 2.

The biopic ‘A Complete Unknown,’ which received eight Academy Award nominations, stirred excitement among fans and critics. The film, starring actor Timothée Chalamet and directed by James Mangold, was in the spotlight at the Oscars. Chalamet, who immersed himself in the role of Bob Dylan, shared insights into his preparation process. The actor revealed that he dedicated three months to portraying Dylan, even going as far as to eschew phone usage during that time to stay focused on the character.

Chalamet’s commitment to the role extended beyond the set, as he reportedly gained weight and even sported a leather jacket once owned by Dylan. This method acting approach added a layer of authenticity to his performance in ‘A Complete Unknown.’ The biopic is currently showing in cinemas and is expected to be available on streaming platforms soon.

The absence of Bob Dylan at the Oscars and the playful exchanges that ensued added a unique touch to the star-studded event. Despite his decision to decline the offers to participate, Dylan’s legacy in the music industry remains steadfast, garnering respect and admiration from both fellow musicians and audiences worldwide.

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