Timothée Chalamet returned to Saturday Night Live on January 25, 2025, for his third hosting stint, delighting audiences with his unique blend of humor, charm, and musical talent. The Oscar-nominated actor, who was recognized for his role as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, also made history by doubling as the episode’s musical guest—a rare feat for an actor-turned-singer. This milestone puts Chalamet in the same league as fellow performers like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga.
In his opening monologue, Chalamet shared a lighthearted moment of self-deprecation, joking about his string of award losses despite his critically acclaimed roles. “I just keep losing,” he confessed to the audience. “And each time it gets harder to pretend it doesn’t sting.” This humorous admission was followed by a montage of clips from various awards shows, highlighting his near-wins and comically emphasizing his “lonely nights with my Dune popcorn bucket,” as reported by Yahoo! Entertainment. In a surprising twist, Chalamet even read an acceptance speech he’d kept in his pocket for four years. The punchline? The winner was none other than SNL‘s Keenan Thompson.
This hosting gig also marked Chalamet’s debut as a musical guest, where he teased performances of Bob Dylan songs to promote his Oscar-nominated performance in A Complete Unknown. His dual role as host and musical guest added a new dimension to the show, showcasing his versatility both in acting and music. Chalamet performed Dylan’s songs “Outlaw Blues,” “Three Angels” and “Tomorrow Is a Long Time” — accompanied by James Blake on the piano, as noted by Page Six. As he joked about sharing this distinction with the legendary Gary Busey, Chalamet brought a self-aware humor to the occasion.
In his monologue, Chalamet also made several references to Bob Dylan, drawing a comparison between the legendary musician and the character of Willy Wonka, whom he has also portrayed. “They’re both eccentric. They’re both innovators, and they both captured and enslaved hundreds of Oompa Loompas,” he quipped, as reported by Variety.
One of the evening’s standout moments was a coffee shop sketch where Chalamet played an overzealous barista. The scene revolved around a coffee shop training session, where managers Mikey Day and Heidi Gardner encouraged their staff to come up with puns for the blackboard. While his fellow baristas played it straight, Chalamet took a comedic left turn, channeling Chris Rock’s stand-up style. His delivery—complete with exaggerated cadence and timing—left the other characters bewildered, particularly when Chalamet suggested the slogan, “Nothin’ wrong with a big ol’ woman and a hot ass cup of coffee,” as reported by Yahoo! Entertainment.
The cold open, another highlight of the show, spoofed U.S. politics with a historical twist. The sketch took viewers back to the signing of the U.S. Constitution, featuring a multi-racial, multi-gendered cast portraying the founding fathers. Lin-Manuel Miranda made a surprise appearance as Alexander Hamilton, while James Austin Johnson’s Donald Trump delivered a satirical monologue on current political events, poking fun at the president’s controversial policies.
Overall, Chalamet’s third appearance as host of SNL was a testament to his growing comedic talent. His ability to balance humor, vulnerability, and musical performance made this episode one of the most memorable in recent months. With his Oscar campaign in full swing, Chalamet’s appearance on SNL only solidifies his status as one of Hollywood’s most multifaceted stars.
