Timothée Chalamet's First Grammy Nomination Ignites EGOT Buzz

After years of dedicated preparation for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, Timothée Chalamet has officially landed his first Grammy nomination, putting him one step closer to entertainment's most exclusive club.

TL;DR: Key Takeaways on Chalamet's Grammy Nod

• Timothée Chalamet, 29, received his first Grammy nomination for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media for his role as Bob Dylan in 2024's A Complete Unknown.
• He is uniquely credited by name among the nominees, a testament to his five years of extensive training in singing, guitar, and harmonica for the film.
• This Grammy nomination follows an Oscar nod and a SAG Award win for the same role, fueling speculation about his potential journey toward achieving EGOT status.

From Hollywood Heartthrob to Grammy Contender: Chalamet's Unexpected Musical Recognition

Imagine dedicating five years to mastering an instrument and a singing style, not for a stadium tour, but for a single film role. That's exactly what Timothée Chalamet, the 29-year-old actor, did to embody Bob Dylan in the biopic A Complete Unknown. This week, his intense preparation paid off in a big way: his first-ever Grammy Nomination.

The nod is for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media, a category that often features "various artists." But here's the surprising twist: Chalamet is the sole named artist among his fellow nominees, which include the soundtracks for F1 The Album, KPop Demon Hunters, Sinners, and Wicked. This unusual credit highlights just how central his musical performance was to the film and its accompanying album. Source: [Forbes, "Timothée Chalamet, Steven Spielberg And A Supreme Court Justice: First-Time Grammy Nominees," November 7, 2025].

The Unseen Dedication Behind a Legendary Performance

Chalamet's journey into Dylan's musical world wasn't a superficial one. He committed to five years of rigorous training, delving deep into singing, mastering both guitar and harmonica, and working extensively with dialect and movement coaches. This wasn't about simply lip-syncing; he performed and sang live on the movie's set. His guitar teacher, session musician Larry Saltzman, confirmed Chalamet's commitment, stating that the actor "never wanted to take the easy way out" and always insisted, "Don't show me the shortcut." Source: [Rolling Stone, "Chalamet spent five years prepping to play Bob Dylan — and it's paid off with a Grammy nomination," November 7, 2025].

This level of immersion allowed him to authentically capture Dylan's essence, from his unique vocal inflections to his stage presence. He even showcased his skills performing more Dylan songs as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live. On the soundtrack itself, Chalamet performs on a remarkable 17 out of 23 tracks, delivering his renditions of classics like "Highway 61 Revisited," "Mr. Tambourine Man," "I Was Young When I Left Home," and "A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall."

Navigating the Tumultuous Waters of Awards Season

The Grammy nomination isn't Chalamet's first brush with major awards for his Dylan portrayal. He earned a second Oscar nomination for Best Actor, alongside nods at the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Critics' Choice Awards. He notably clinched the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role earlier this year.

Despite the SAG win, the Oscar for Best Actor ultimately went to Adrien Brody for The Brutalist. This wasn't Chalamet's first Oscar near-miss; he was previously nominated in 2018 for Call Me by Your Name, losing to Gary Oldman. These experiences have clearly shaped his perspective on the competitive nature of awards, which he recently shared with Vogue.

"If there’s five people at an awards show, and four people go home losing, you don’t think those four people are at the restaurant like, 'Damn, we didn’t win?' ...People can call me a try-hard, and they can say whatever the f. But I’m the one actually doing it here."

— Timothée Chalamet to Vogue

The Bold Pursuit of Cinematic and Musical Greatness

Chalamet has been refreshingly open about his ambition. During his SAG Awards acceptance speech, he delivered a headline-making address, declaring, "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." He cited inspirations ranging from acting legends like Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, and Viola Davis to sports icons Michael Jordan and Michael Phelps. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, "Could Timothée Chalamet Win a Grammy Before He Wins an Oscar?," November 7, 2025].

This Grammy nomination feels like a significant step on that declared path. While some might argue that a "Best Compilation Soundtrack" Grammy isn't quite the same as a pure musical artist award, Chalamet's hands-on, live performance for the film underscores his genuine musical effort. It's a testament to his dedication that he’s recognized by name, not just as part of a collective. This shows the Recording Academy acknowledges his personal contribution, even if it's within a film-centric category.

A counterpoint might be that he still hasn't secured an Oscar, which many consider the pinnacle for an actor. However, the Grammy offers a different kind of validation, showcasing his talent beyond traditional acting. It adds a unique dimension to his "greatness" pursuit, proving his versatility and willingness to push creative boundaries. Losing an Oscar for the same role might feel like a setback, but gaining a Grammy nomination simultaneously proves his comprehensive artistic commitment.

Example of Artistic Immersion: The "No Shortcuts" Philosophy in Action

Consider the grueling schedule of an actor. Juggling multiple projects, promotion, and personal life. Now, add five years of intense musical training on top of that. This isn't just about learning lines; it’s about transforming physically and vocally. For example, imagine Chalamet in the early stages, struggling with a new chord or a harmonica riff, knowing he had to nail it live on set to truly capture Dylan's raw energy. His guitar teacher's revelation, "Don't show me the shortcut," isn't just a fun anecdote; it illustrates a profound commitment to authenticity that very few actors manage to achieve. This artistic immersion is what elevates a performance from good to potentially legendary, resonating across different awards bodies.

A Potential EGOT in the Making? Looking to the Future

With this Grammy nomination, the whispers of an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) for Chalamet grow louder. He's already got the Oscar nominations, the SAG win, and now a Grammy nod. It’s a path less traveled by actors, but not unheard of. Bradley Cooper, for instance, a 12-time Oscar nominee, has three Grammy Awards for his work on musical films like A Star Is Born and Maestro. Cooper also famously underwent years of preparation for his roles, including six years to play conductor Leonard Bernstein.

Looking ahead, Chalamet isn't slowing down. He's already generating significant Oscar buzz for his upcoming role as a ping-pong player in Josh Safdie's Marty Supreme, set for a Christmas Day release. Chalamet himself co-produced the comedy-drama and told Vogue that the character is "the most me I was until I had any sort of career." This continued exploration of diverse roles, coupled with his willingness to dive deep into skill acquisition, paints a picture of an artist truly dedicated to his craft across all mediums.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Chalamet's Grammy Nod

When are the 2026 Grammy Awards? The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will air live on Sunday, February 1, 2026. You can catch it on CBS and stream it on Paramount+. What exactly is the Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media category? This Grammy category recognizes the artists who perform on or produce the majority of tracks on a soundtrack album specifically created for visual media, like films or TV shows. Chalamet performs on 17 out of 23 tracks for A Complete Unknown, making him eligible. How many Oscar nominations does Timothée Chalamet have? Timothée Chalamet now has two Oscar nominations for Best Actor: one in 2018 for Call Me by Your Name and his most recent for A Complete Unknown. What is Chalamet's next big movie? His next film generating significant buzz is Marty Supreme, a comedy-drama directed by Josh Safdie, where he plays a ping-pong player. It's expected to be released on Christmas Day. Practical Takeaways for Viewers and Aspiring Artists

• Beyond the Screen: This nomination highlights that a captivating performance isn't just about acting; it can involve deep skill acquisition that transcends traditional categories.
• Commitment Pays Off: Chalamet's five years of musical training underscore the value of profound dedication, even for a single role, in achieving recognition.
• EGOT Watch: Keep an eye on Chalamet's future projects; this Grammy nod significantly advances his potential journey toward an EGOT.
• Versatility is Key: His success in both acting and now receiving a Grammy nomination demonstrates the power of an artist willing to explore diverse talents and challenge conventional expectations.
• Artistic Honesty: Chalamet's candidness about his ambition and even his disappointments offers a refreshing, relatable perspective on the pursuit of excellence in a competitive industry.

Sources:

• Carson, Lexi. "Timothée Chalamet Is One Of The Greats, Scores First Grammy Nomination." The Hollywood Reporter, November 7, 2025.
• Hiatt, Brian. "Chalamet spent five years prepping to play Bob Dylan — and it's paid off with a Grammy nomination." Rolling Stone, November 7, 2025.
• JJ Staff. "Timothee Chalamet Reacts to First Grammy Nomination for 'A Complete Unknown'." Just Jared, November 7, 2025.
• McIntyre, Hugh. "Timothée Chalamet, Steven Spielberg And A Supreme Court Justice: First-Time Grammy Nominees." Forbes, November 7, 2025.
• News Desk. "Timothée Chalamet Receives First Grammy Nomination for Bob Dylan Role." SSBCrack News, November 9, 2025.
• Staff. "Could Timothée Chalamet Score a Grammy Before an Oscar?" Gold Derby / Yahoo, November 7, 2025.
• Staff. "Timothée Chalamet reacts to Grammy nomination." Geo News, November 8, 2025.
• Staff Reporter. "Marty Supreme's Timothée Chalamet is nominated for a Grammy." IBTimes, November 7, 2025.
• Chaturvedi, Shachi. "Katrina Kaif's Mom, Suzanne Turquotte, Has This To Say After Meeting Her Grandson | Video." News18, November 8, 2025.