Bob Dylan reportedly declined to present and perform at the Oscars 2025: All we know

Bob Dylan's absence from the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, did not go unnoticed. The 83-year-old music icon was reportedly invited to both present and perform at the Oscars 2025 ceremony but declined, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Bob's decision became a talking point, with references to him peppered throughout the night. It included jokes from host Conan O'Brien and presenter Mick Jagger.

The singer-songwriter is known for tracks like 'Blowin’ in the Wind' and 'Like a Rolling Stone.' He has maintained a reclusive public persona, as he has often avoided major events.

His absence at the 2016 Nobel Prize ceremony for literature is an example, where he was to receive the Nobel. Now, at the 2025 Oscars, his absence was significant to many as A Complete Unknown was in the running for eight awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor. The film is based on Bob Dylan's life.

However, the artist himself has yet to comment on the matter.

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Conan O'Brien poked fun at Bob Dylan’s absence

Oscars host Conan O'Brien also took the opportunity to joke about Bob Dylan. Per Rolling Stone, referencing Chalamet’s transformation for the role, he stated,

"To play Bob Dylan, Timothée Chalamet learned how to sing. In fact, the singing was so good he almost lost the part. Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly."

Mick Jagger also made a joke about it

Mick Jagger, the beloved Rolling Stones frontman, presented the Oscar for Best Original Song. This role was reportedly first offered to Dylan. While on stage, Jagger addressed the situation with humor, saying:

"I’m greatly honored to be invited to give this award for the Best Original Song tonight, and much as I love doing it, I wasn’t the first choice to give this award out."

He continued, per Rolling Stone:

"The producers wanted Bob Dylan to do it. Bob didn’t want to do it because he’s had the best songs this year, well, obviously, in the movie A Complete Unknown. Bob said, ‘You should find somebody younger.’ I said, ‘OK, I’m younger.’ So here I am."

As Mick is 81, he may not fit the definition of 'young,' but he is two years Dylan’s junior. His comment drew laughs from the audience.

Aside from presenting an award, Bob Dylan was also reportedly invited to perform. However, details about what song he would have played remain unclear.

Some speculate that he may not have wanted to perform under the 'controlled' environment of the Oscars, where live performances are planned.

It should also be noted that none of the Best Original Song nominees performed during the ceremony this year. If Bob Dylan had agreed to perform, he would have been one of the few musical acts of the night.

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