The 2025 Academy Awards race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, and two films stand tall among the frontrunners for most nominations: A Complete Unknown and The Brutalist. Both are cinematic powerhouses likely to garner anywhere between five to ten nominations each, spanning categories like Best Picture, Director, Production Design, and Original Screenplay. However, the most heated competition comes in the Best Actor category, pitting Timothée Chalamet against Adrien Brody in what may be one of the most talked-about rivalries of the year. Also, let us not forget Ralph Fiennes who also poses a strong competition from his performance in Conclave.
While The Brutalist is a clear frontrunner across multiple categories, A Complete Unknown holds its strongest chance in the Best Actor race, thanks to Chalamet’s transformative portrayal of Bob Dylan. Here’s why Chalamet might just deserve that coveted Oscar win more than Brody.
A Battle of Two Tremendous Performances
Both Chalamet and Brody delivered extraordinary performances, each marked by incredible dedication to their craft.
Adrien Brody, a seasoned actor with an Oscar already under his belt (The Pianist), shines in The Brutalist, a sprawling 3.5-hour epic about a fictional architect navigating the complexities of human ambition and personal loss. Brody’s ability to embody the emotional intricacies of his character is nothing short of masterful. He invites audiences to see the world through his character’s eyes, layering vulnerability and determination in ways that feel deeply authentic. It’s a performance of remarkable nuance that anchors the entire film.
Timothée Chalamet, on the other hand, took on the near-impossible challenge of playing Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, a biographical film chronicling Dylan’s transformative years. Chalamet didn’t just act—he became Dylan. From mastering Dylan’s distinctive voice and cadence to singing his iconic songs, Chalamet’s preparation was exhaustive. He embraced method acting, instructing everyone on set to refer to him as Dylan and immersing himself in the musician’s mannerisms, speech patterns, and even his gait. The result? A performance so transformative that it blurs the line between actor and subject.
Why Chalamet Deserves the Win for A Complete Unknown
While both performances are Oscar-worthy, Chalamet’s portrayal edges ahead for several reasons.
The Challenge of Playing a Real-Life Icon – Brody’s character in The Brutalist is fictional, giving him the freedom to interpret and create. Chalamet, by contrast, had to embody a real person—one who is still alive and whose persona is deeply etched in the public consciousness. This is a much more daunting task, as any misstep would be glaringly obvious. Yet Chalamet not only met but exceeded expectations, delivering a performance that feels eerily authentic and timeless.
A Transformative Journey – Chalamet’s transformation into Bob Dylan was both physical and emotional. From learning to sing Dylan’s songs to adopting his unique accent and body language, Chalamet’s dedication elevates the performance to an art form. Such depth of transformation is rare and will undoubtedly be remembered for decades to come.
Recognition for a Stellar Career– Brody already made history with his Oscar win for The Pianist, becoming the youngest Best Actor winner at 29. Now, at 25, Chalamet has the chance to not only claim the same recognition but also beat Brody’s record. Considering Chalamet’s consistent track record of stellar performances (Call Me by Your Name, Dune, Beautiful Boy), this could be the perfect moment to honor his immense talent.
The Stakes Are Higher for Chalamet – While The Brutalist is an ensemble-driven narrative, A Complete Unknown is entirely anchored on Chalamet’s performance. The film’s success—and its emotional resonance—rests squarely on his shoulders. That level of responsibility and the subsequent triumph is deserving of recognition.
A Performance for the Ages – Playing Bob Dylan is not just about acting—it’s about capturing a legend’s essence. Chalamet’s ability to balance Dylan’s mystique, vulnerability, and genius makes his performance one that will be studied and celebrated for years to come.
The Record-Breaking Question
So, will Timothée Chalamet create history by taking home the Best Actor Oscar and surpassing Adrien Brody’s record? Or will Brody defend his title with a towering performance in The Brutalist?
The stakes couldn’t be higher for either actor. For Brody, it’s a chance to reaffirm his legacy and solidify his place in Oscar history. For Chalamet, it’s the opportunity to join the ranks of the all-time greats while establishing himself as the defining actor of his generation. Regardless of the outcome, this rivalry has already given audiences two of the most compelling performances in recent memory. But if the Academy is looking for a performance that not only transforms but transcends, Chalamet’s A Complete Unknown might just be the one to beat.
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