Hollywood’s rising star Timothée Chalamet demonstrated once again why he’s not only a celebrated actor but also a natural in the world of comedy. On January 25, 2025, Chalamet took center stage on Saturday Night Live, marking his third stint as host and his first time pulling double duty as the evening’s musical guest, an honor reserved for a select few. The result was a night of humor, self-awareness, and versatility that left fans and critics thoroughly entertained.

Chalamet, fresh off major projects like Dune: Part Two, his whimsical turn as Willy Wonka, and an upcoming Bob Dylan biopic titled A Complete Unknown, kicked off the evening with his trademark blend of humility and wit. His opening monologue set the tone perfectly, as he joked about his track record of near-misses at the Oscars. “At this point, I’m beginning to think I’ll never get my hands on the actual statue,” he quipped as the audience erupted in laughter. The moment was topped off by a montage of his previous Academy Awards losses, which Chalamet gamely laughed along with. The highlight was his mock attempt at delivering an acceptance speech, only for Kenan Thompson to hilariously swoop in and steal the “Oscar” for himself, in true SNL fashion.

Chalamet didn’t shy away from engaging with the details fans love to buzz about—this time, his facial hair. Hosting SNL with a touch of scruff for the first time, he addressed it right away: “Yes, the rumors are true. This beard is happening. Big moment for me—and grooming enthusiasts everywhere!” With his signature warmth, he immediately put the audience at ease, showcasing a rare ability to laugh at himself while feeling utterly relatable.

Throughout the episode, Chalamet fully embraced the absurdist humor that SNL thrives on, delivering standout performances in several memorable sketches. One crowd-pleasing moment came when he portrayed an eccentric bungee instructor, diving deep into the role with over-the-top energy that pushed the sketch into hilarity. Another fan favorite saw him as a clueless yet endearing barista in a coffee shop training skit, a perfect example of his ability to bring nuance and charm to even the quirkiest setups. His chemistry with cast members like Sarah Sherman and Kenan Thompson was evident, elevating each scene into laugh-out-loud territory.

Even as the jokes rolled on, Chalamet took moments to reflect humorously on his filmography, including his quirky choices like playing Willy Wonka. “People always ask me why I go for such eccentric roles, and I say, ‘Someone’s gotta do it. The world needs another quirky top hat guy!’” By acknowledging his reputation without taking himself too seriously, Chalamet struck a balance between self-deprecation and self-confidence, endearing himself further to viewers.

Of course, the cultural moment gave the episode an additional layer of intrigue. Airing just days after Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration, the show carried an undercurrent of anticipation about how it might address the political climate. While Chalamet didn’t wade into politics directly, his light and approachable demeanor served as a welcome respite in a charged atmosphere.

The night’s success was underscored by Chalamet’s ability to seamlessly segue between comedic sketches, personal anecdotes, and even live musical performances—a feat that few performers manage to pull off so gracefully. His turn as host and musical guest joins the ranks of memorable SNL episodes, cementing his reputation as not only a Hollywood leading man but also a multifaceted entertainer who knows how to command a live audience.