Denis Villeneuve Criticizes Oscars for Dune Part Two Nomination Snub

Director Denis Villeneuve has publicly expressed his disappointment regarding Dune: Part Two being deemed ineligible for one of the most prestigious Academy Awards at the upcoming ceremony.

The Dune franchise has achieved remarkable success, both critically and commercially. The first installment garnered six Oscars, achieved an 83% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and earned over $400 million globally.

In comparison, Dune: Part Two surpassed these figures, raking in over $700 million and establishing itself as one of the year’s biggest box office successes with an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Frustration Over Score Exclusion

As the Oscar nominations loom nearer, anticipation builds for the film’s recognition in multiple categories. However, there is one notable exception where Dune: Part Two will not be included.

Hans Zimmer’s score for the sequel has been disqualified from Oscar consideration due to the extensive reuse of musical material from the first film. This decision has not sat well with Villeneuve, who feels strongly about the impact of Zimmer’s work.

Denis Villeneuve directing Dune. — Warner Bros.

Denis Villeneuve directing Rebecca Ferguson

Villeneuve articulated his stance at a Director’s Guild screening: “I am absolutely against the decision of the Academy to exclude Hans. Frankly, I believe his score is one of the best of the year.” He further praised Zimmer, noting, “I don’t use the word genius often, but Hans is one.”

Zimmer’s score for the original Dune earned him an Academy Award in 2022, while his work on the sequel received a Golden Globe nomination but ultimately lost to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for their score in Challengers.

Villeneuve acknowledged the continuous thread in the music between the two films, explaining that the scores reflect “one big movie that is cut in half.” He emphasized that while he is disappointed, he isn’t holding a grudge, stating, “I’m not here to complain. The soundtrack is really a continuity of Part One.”

For more insights into the Dune universe, check out the unanswered questions posed by Dune: Prophecy, as well as the latest updates on the possibility of a Dune 4 after Villeneuve wraps up his work on Dune Messiah.

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