Timothée Chalamet clinched the Screen Actors Guild Award for best actor during Sunday (Feb. 23, 2025) evening’s ceremony.
The actor, who portrayed Bob Dylan in the folk legend’s biopic A Complete Unknown, was clearly shocked when his victory was announced. As he stepped up to accept the honor, Chalamet spoke into a noticeably short microphone, stating, “I was not expecting this at all,” before expressing gratitude to his mother.
“I know the classiest thing would be to downplay the effort that went into this role and how much this means to me. But the truth is, this was five-and-a-half years of my life. I poured everything I had into playing this incomparable artist Mr. Bob Dylan, a true American hero,” he said. “It was the honor of a lifetime playing him.”

The rising star, who is 29, expressed his appreciation to fellow cast members Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Edward Norton, and the production crew.
He elaborated, “Lastly, I can downplay the significance of this award because it means the most to me. And I know we’re in a subjective business, but the truth is I’m really in pursuit of greatness. I know people don’t usually talk like that, but I want to be one of the greats. I’m inspired by the greats. I’m inspired by the greats here tonight. I’m as inspired by Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis as I am by Michael Jordan, Michael Phelps, and I want to be up there.”
Chalamet remarked that while the award “doesn’t signify that,” it provides “a little more fuel” and “ammo to keep going.”
The dual Oscar nominee emerged as an unexpected victor. His competition included Daniel Craig (Queer), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), Ralph Fiennes (Conclave), and Adrien Brody (The Brutalist), who had dominated the awards circuit this season.
Looking ahead, Chalamet will compete for the best actor Oscar on March 2. His SAG triumph makes him the youngest performer to win the best actor category at these awards.