December 21, 2025
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What Did Mick Jagger Say About Bob Dylan at the Oscars? The Full Story

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So, you're here because you want to know what Mick Jagger said about Bob Dylan at the Oscars. It's one of those questions that pops up now and then, especially among music fans who love a good behind-the-scenes story. I get it—I've always been curious too. The Oscars are this glitzy event where movie stars shine, but sometimes music legends steal the show. And when two icons like Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan cross paths, you know there's got to be something interesting.

Let me start by saying that if you're expecting a bombshell quote where Mick Jagger stood on stage and roasted Bob Dylan, you might be disappointed. But hey, that's part of the fun—digging into what really happened. I remember watching the Oscars over the years, and the 2001 ceremony sticks out because Bob Dylan actually won an award. Yeah, that's right, Dylan won an Oscar for Best Original Song. Crazy, huh? For a guy known for his folk and rock music, stepping into the movie world was a big deal.

Personally, I think people ask "What did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars?" because they're hoping for some juicy rivalry gossip. But the truth is, their relationship is more nuanced than that.

The Night Bob Dylan Won an Oscar

Okay, let's set the scene. It's March 25, 2001—the 73rd Academy Awards. The venue is the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, packed with celebrities. Bob Dylan was nominated for Best Original Song for "Things Have Changed" from the movie Wonder Boys. Now, Dylan isn't your typical Hollywood guy; he's more of a recluse, so his appearance was kind of a big deal. He showed up, performed the song, and even won the award. I watched it on TV, and it was surreal seeing Dylan in a tuxedo, looking all serious.

Dylan's performance was understated but powerful—just him and his guitar. No fancy choreography, just pure music.

But where was Mick Jagger in all this? Well, Mick wasn't a presenter or performer that night. He might have been in the audience though; the Oscars often invite music stars, and Mick has been there before. In fact, Mick Jagger has a history with the Oscars—he performed in 2006 with a medley of songs. But back in 2001, he wasn't on the official roster. So, if you're wondering what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars, it probably wasn't during the broadcast. Maybe it was backstage or at a party afterward. I've read some accounts that Mick was there, but no one caught him on camera saying anything specific about Dylan.

Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan: A Brief History

To understand why people care about this, you need to know a bit about their relationship. Mick Jagger, the frontman of The Rolling Stones, and Bob Dylan, the voice of a generation, have been around since the 1960s. They're both legends, but their styles are different. Dylan is the poet, Jagger is the showman. Over the years, they've crossed paths plenty of times—concerts, awards shows, you name it.

Here are a few key moments in their history:

  • 1960s: Both were rising stars in the folk and rock scenes. Dylan went electric, Jagger rocked out—it was a time of innovation.
  • 1980s: They occasionally collaborated or appeared at the same events, like the Live Aid concert in 1985.
  • 2000s: Dylan's Oscar win brought them into the same orbit again, but no public clashes.

Mick Jagger has said things about Bob Dylan in interviews though. For example, in a 1995 interview with Rolling Stone, Jagger called Dylan "a great songwriter" but also mentioned that Dylan's voice isn't for everyone. Typical Jagger—honest but a bit cheeky. So, when people ask what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars, they might be mixing up events. Maybe they're thinking of a different award show, like the Grammys, where both have been more active.

Did Mick Jagger Actually Say Anything at the Oscars?

Now, to the heart of the matter. After digging through archives and watching clips, I can't find any record of Mick Jagger making a public statement about Bob Dylan during the Oscars ceremony. No speech, no interview on the red carpet—nothing. It's possible he muttered something to a friend, but that's lost to history. I know, it's anticlimactic. But that's often how these things go; the internet loves to speculate, but the reality is quieter.

What did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars? Probably nothing that made headlines. But let's not stop there—because the question itself tells us something about fan curiosity.

I think part of the reason this question persists is that both men are symbols of rock 'n' roll rebellion. Fans imagine them as rivals, even though they've mostly been respectful. In my opinion, if Mick had said something, it would have been praise rather than criticism. Dylan's Oscar win was a moment of validation for music in film, and Jagger, being a savvy guy, would have acknowledged that.

Other Times Mick Jagger Talked About Bob Dylan

Since we're on the topic, let's look at what Mick has said about Bob in other settings. It's not exactly what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars, but it's related and gives context.

Event/InterviewWhat Mick Jagger SaidContext
1995 Rolling Stone Interview"Dylan is a genius lyricist, but his singing can be an acquired taste."Jagger praised Dylan's writing but was honest about the vocals.
2003 Grammy AwardsNo direct comment on Dylan, but both were honored.They shared the stage but didn't interact publicly.
2012 Interview with BBC"Bob influenced everyone, including us."Jagger acknowledged Dylan's impact on music.

From this, you can see that Jagger respects Dylan, but they're not best friends. It's more of a professional admiration. So, if you're hoping for drama, you might be out of luck. But that's okay—sometimes the truth is more interesting than the myth.

Why the Oscars Moment Matters

Even if nothing big was said, the fact that people still ask what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars shows how iconic both men are. The Oscars represent mainstream recognition, and for Dylan to win an Oscar late in his career was significant. It bridged the gap between music and film in a way that few events do.

I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed when I first looked into this. Part of me wanted a spicy quote to share at parties. But learning about the real story made me appreciate their careers even more.

Let's break down why this moment is worth discussing:

  • Cultural Impact: Dylan's win helped legitimize songwriting for films as an art form.
  • Historical Context: The 2000s were a time when older artists were being rediscovered by new generations.
  • Fan Speculation: Questions like what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars keep music history alive.

Also, the Oscars have had other music moments—like when Mick Jagger performed in 2006. That was a blast; he brought so much energy to the stage. But back to 2001: Dylan's win was quiet, almost humble. He didn't give a long speech, just a nod of thanks. Mick, if he was there, probably just clapped along.

Common Misconceptions

There are a few myths floating around about this topic. Let's clear them up.

Did Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan have a feud at the Oscars?

No, there's no evidence of any feud. They've always been professional, and any rivalry is mostly fan-made.

Was Mick Jagger jealous of Dylan's Oscar win?

Probably not. Jagger has had his share of awards, and he's always been supportive of peers.

Why do people think Mick said something?

Maybe because both are outspoken, but in this case, silence speaks volumes.

So, what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars? In short, likely nothing recorded. But the question itself is a gateway to exploring their legacies.

FAQs: Answering Your Questions

Since this topic comes up a lot, here are some frequently asked questions to cover all bases.

What award did Bob Dylan win at the Oscars?

He won Best Original Song for "Things Have Change" in 2001. It was his first and only Oscar.

Has Mick Jagger ever won an Oscar?

No, Mick hasn't won an Oscar, but he's been nominated for his music in films.

Are Mick Jagger and Bob Dylan friends?

They're acquaintances rather than friends. They move in similar circles but aren't close.

What did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars in other years?

There's no record of him saying anything at other Oscars either. Their interactions are rare.

Did Bob Dylan respond to any comments from Mick?

Not that we know of. Dylan is famously private about such things.

I hope this clears things up. If you have more questions, drop them in the comments—I love discussing this stuff.

Conclusion: The Truth Behind the Question

Wrapping up, the query what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars is more about curiosity than fact. In reality, no memorable exchange happened that night. But that doesn't make it less fascinating. Both artists have shaped music history, and their occasional overlaps remind us of the connections between different art forms.

So next time someone asks you what did Mick Jagger say about Bob Dylan at the Oscars, you can tell them the story isn't about words—it's about legacy.

Thanks for reading. If you enjoyed this, check out my other posts on music history. And remember, sometimes the best stories are the ones we imagine.