Sat Mar 01 01:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Oscar-Nominated Actress Monica Barbaro Channels Joan Baez in “A Complete Unknown”
**LOS ANGELES** – Monica Barbaro, nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Oscars for her role in the film *A Complete Unknown*, revealed the lengths she went to portray folk icon Joan Baez. Barbaro, who had no prior singing or guitar experience, immersed herself completely in Baez’s life, even experiencing dreams of meeting the singer before filming began. This intense preparation, combined with a surprisingly easy phone call to Baez herself, helped solidify her performance.
Barbaro’s portrayal of Baez is a key element in *A Complete Unknown*, a film charting the rise of Bob Dylan (Timothée Chalamet) and his complex relationship with Baez. Encouraged by fellow Oscar nominee Edward Norton (who plays Pete Seeger and had prior contact with Baez), Barbaro overcame her initial intimidation and reached out to the legendary singer. The resulting conversation, though brief, proved deeply emotional for Barbaro, who described hearing Baez’s voice as a pivotal moment. Baez reportedly expressed her hope that Barbaro would contact her.
To accurately capture Baez’s distinctive vocal style, Barbaro underwent rigorous vocal training with renowned coach Eric Vetro. This involved mastering techniques such as Baez’s vibrato and high pitch, as well as the challenge of singing and playing guitar simultaneously – a skill she learned from scratch alongside her co-stars, including Chalamet and Boyd Holbrook.
*A Complete Unknown*, a musical drama filled with iconic performances, is currently available on video on demand.
First Piper 