Producer sets record straight over Bob Dylan's no show at Oscars 2025: 'If you can believe it'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bob Dylan’s absence at Oscars 2025 became a running joke throughout the evening, but that was all it amounted to.

Contrary to previous reports, the music legend was never invited to present or perform at the event.

Mick Jagger's joke was his own, says Rob Mills

Walt Disney TV’s executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment Rob Mills clarified the situation following the awards show, putting to rest speculation surrounding Bob Dylan’s involvement.

Mills addressed the joke made by Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger about Dylan, 83, about declining the opportunity to appear at the Oscars.

"That was Mick Jagger’s joke," Mills said during an interview with Variety.

"I think everybody knows, if you’ve ever been to a Rolling Stones show or seen on TV, Mick Jagger has an incredible sense of humor," Mills added.

Mills revealed that Jagger was always the first choice for the role. "It was like, ‘the ask is out to Mick Jagger — he’ll never do it.’ And he did! This was his first time at the Oscars, if you can believe it," Mills said.

Mick Jagger jokes 'I wasn't the first choice' 

The Hollywood Reporter had initially claimed that Bob Dylan was invited to present and perform at the ceremony but had declined the offer.

However, Mills’ statement contradicts that report, indicating that Dylan was never approached for the role.

When Jagger presented the Oscar for Best Original Song, he made light of the situation. "As much as I love doing it, I wasn't the first choice to give this award out," Jagger said.

He added, "The producers wanted Bob Dylan to do it, but Bob didn’t want to because he said 'The best songs this year are obviously in 'A Complete Unknown.' You should find somebody younger.'"

Jagger continued, "I said, 'OK, I’m younger than Bob! I'll do it!' So here I am."

Conan O'Brien jokes about Bob Dylan's absence

Host Conan O'Brien also joked about Bob Dylan’s absence. "Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly," O'Brien said, adding to the lighthearted humor about the musician’s no-show, as per People.

Jagger went on to present the Oscar for Best Original Song to 'El Mal' from 'Emilia Perez.'

Songwriters Clement Ducol and Camille took the stage to accept the award at the Dolby Theatre, even singing until they were played off.

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

Bob Dylan's 'A Complete Unknown', a biopic, had received eight nominations but left the awards show empty-handed.