Monica Barbaro’s Oscar Nomination and the Challenge of Portraying Joan Baez
Being nominated for an Academy Award is a monumental achievement in itself, but receiving praise from the very person you portrayed on screen is an entirely different kind of honor. For actress Monica Barbaro, who is currently nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Joan Baez in the Bob Dylan biopic A Complete Unknown, this opportunity came with its own set of unique challenges. Barbaro, who has been open about her journey in preparing for the role, shared her experiences in an interview with her hometown newspaper, The Marin Independent Journal. She revealed that embodying the legendary folk singer was no easy feat, especially since she didn’t initially see herself as a singer or a musician.
One of the most daunting tasks Barbaro faced was mastering Joan Baez’s iconic voice. As she admitted, “I wasn’t a singer. I’m not a singer.” This realization made her approach to the role both humble and ambitious. She acknowledged that perfection was impossible, saying, “It’s absolutely impossible to perfect Joan’s voice, or to sound like her.” Instead of trying to mimic Baez flawlessly, Barbaro focused on capturing the essence of her performance and the emotional depth she brought to her music. This approach not only showcased Barbaro’s acting prowess but also highlighted her ability to embody the spirit of the character she was portraying.
The role also required Barbaro to learn how to play the guitar, a skill she had no prior experience with. Baez’s unique fingerpicking style, intricate and specific, proved to be a significant hurdle for the actress. She described the process as grueling, admitting, “I had no experience at that.” To master even the basics, she used a metronome set to a slow pace, just to coordinate her fingers to pluck strings simultaneously. This dedication to detail speaks volumes about her commitment to the role and her willingness to push past her comfort zone.
Despite her hard work, Barbaro confessed that she struggled with feelings of inadequacy, particularly during the filming of musical scenes. “The imposter syndrome was pretty rampant,” she shared. This sentiment was heightened by the presence of background actors who were also musicians and actors in their own right. Barbaro described singing in front of them as a “terrifying, intimate, vulnerable experience,” not just because she was portraying Joan Baez but because she was stepping out of her own comfort zone entirely. Her candor about these feelings makes her journey all the more relatable, showing how even talented performers grapple with self-doubt.
One of the most pivotal moments in Barbaro’s preparation came when she decided to reach out to Joan Baez herself. Baez had made herself available to the cast for any questions or insights, but Barbaro was initially hesitant. She admitted to placing Baez “pretty high on a pedestal,” which made the idea of reaching out feel intimidating. “If I were to interview her and not be playing her in a movie, then I would be incredibly nervous and intimidated to, like, speak to her and not say something stupid,” Barbaro confessed. The added pressure of embodying Baez on screen only heightened her apprehensions. However, after having a dream in which she met Baez, Barbaro felt a subconscious nudge to connect with the singer. Looking back, she is grateful for that decision, as it proved to be a turning point in her preparation.
For her part, Joan Baez has expressed her own admiration for Barbaro’s performance. In an interview with The Marin Independent Journal, Baez shared her thoughts on the film, saying, “I loved what she did in the film. If I didn’t think she was good at it, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it in general.” Baez praised Barbaro’s ability to capture her likeness, both physically and in terms of mannerisms, stating, “She looked enough like me, and she had my gestures down. You could tell who it was.” She also commended Barbaro’s work ethic, noting, “She worked so hard. Kudos to her for taking the role on.” Baez’s stamp of approval is a testament to Barbaro’s dedication and talent, making this nomination all the more meaningful for the actress.
As the Oscars approach on March 2, Barbaro’s journey serves as a reminder of the challenges and rewards of bringing real-life figures to the screen. Her story is not just about an actress preparing for a role but about overcoming fears, embracing vulnerability, and striving to do justice to a legacy. Whether or not she takes home the Oscar, Barbaro’s portrayal of Joan Baez has already left an indelible mark, both on audiences and on the legend herself.
