Mick Jagger joked about stepping in for the "Mr. Tambourine Man" singer for the awards show Bob Dylan's absence at the 2025 Oscars was a running joke — and that's all it was. According to Walt Disney TV’s Rob Mills,

Bob Dylan's time at the Oscars was never planned, according to one producer. The rumor that the legendary songwriter was supposed to appear at the event began when Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger joked that Dylan was supposed to present the Best Original Song award and not him.

If there's one thing we can certainly count on when it comes to the Academy Awards, it's that we're going to see our favorite famous faces from Hollywood. From the filmmakers who bring our favorite movies to life behind the scenes to the actors and actresses who tell the stories in front of the camera,

Bob Dylan declined to present and perform at the 2025 Academy Awards, according to 'The Hollywood Reporter.' Mick Jagger joked about taking his place onstage as someone "younger"