Bob Dylan replaced by 'younger' Mick Jagger after declining to perform and present at Oscars 2025

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bob Dylan, 83, was reportedly replaced by Mick Jagger, 81, after he declined the invitation to perform and present at the Oscars 2025.

Dylan did not attend the Academy Awards despite a biopic about his life being nominated for major awards, The Hollywood Reporter noted.

Mick Jagger jokes he's 'younger' than Bob Dylan

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger took the stage to present the Oscar for Best Original Song and joked about taking Bob Dylan’s place.

"I'm greatly honored to be invited to give this award for the Best Original Song tonight," said Jagger, before adding, "As much as I love doing it, I wasn't the first choice to give this award out."

Jagger humorously revealed the reason behind his selection.

"The producers wanted Bob Dylan to do it, but Bob didn’t want to," he said, adding, "Because he said, 'The best songs this year are obviously in 'A Complete Unknown.' You should find somebody younger.' I said, 'OK, I’m younger than Bob! I'll do it!' So here I am."

"Thanks so much to @TheAcademy and #VanityFairOscarParty for a fantastic evening! I had the pleasure of presenting the Oscar for Best Original Song. Congratulations to all the winners!" Jagger posted on X.

Conan O'Brien jokes about Bob Dylan's absence

Host Conan O'Brien also poked fun at Bob Dylan’s decision not to attend the ceremony.

"Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly," O'Brien joked in his monologue, as per People.

The awards show notably did not feature any of the Best Original Song nominees’ performances.

The contenders in the category included 'Emilia Perez's 'El Mal' and 'Mi Camino', 'The Six Triple Eight's 'The Journey', 'Sing Sing's 'Like a Bird' and 'Elton John: Never Too Late's 'Never Too Late'.

Dylan's biopic, 'A Complete Unknown', received eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director for James Mangold, and Best Actor for Timothee Chalamet.

Internet reacts to Mick Jagger stepping in for Bob Dylan

Social media users reacted to Mick Jagger’s appearance and Bob Dylan’s absence. "It would have been a shocker if he showed up," one user wrote on X.

Another person commented, "Nobody, not even Mick Jagger could 'replace' Bob Dylan."

Others appreciated Jagger’s presence, with one writing, "They got the legend to give an Oscar to 'Emilia Perez'."

"Great surprise seeing you there, Mick! The way you strutted onto the stage, you instantly OWNED that room!!" another posted.

"Best surprise of the night! You were fantastic!" wrote one.

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