The actor gives ‘the performance of the year’ in A Complete Unknown according to one early reviewer. If Academy voters agree, he would be the youngest leading actor winner in Oscars history

A Complete Unknown, James Mangold’s biopic about Bob Dylan, finished filming five months ago. Shortly afterwards, the studio behind the film moved its release date forward to this Christmas – meaning it is in contention for next year’s awards.

Such confidence looks to have been well placed as after an early screening of the film in Hollywood this week, it has won rave reviews on social media. “Timothée Chalamet slides into Bob Dylan with an effortless yet focused determination,” wrote Variety’s senior awards editor, Clayton Davis. “He is fearless in some hypnotic moments.”