While sequels usually end up disappointing the audience, Dune: Part Two came as a breath of fresh air. The film dives deeper into the world of Arrakis, continuing the journey of Paul Atreides as he embraces his destiny. Starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, Dune 2 was praised by anyone and everyone for a number of reasons. Whether it was the epic storyline or the stunning visuals, the movie proved that sequels can be done right if you set your heart to it.
One of the biggest plus points of Dune 2 is its mesmerizing musical score given by Hans Zimmer. After getting the film series an Academy Award in Dune for Best Original Score, Hans Zimmer returned to create magic for the sequel, and boy did he deliver. While many fully expected Dune 2 to bag another Oscar nomination for its score, it has been revealed that the film won’t be in the running. Here’s why.
Hans Zimmer Won’t be Nominated at the Oscars for Dune 2
Despite the fact that Hans Zimmer’s score ties the entire film together and helps make it what it is, he won’t be nominated for an Oscar next year. Unfortunately, his work is not eligible for the prestigious award.
Why? Well, as Variety has reported, the sequel surpasses the limit set by the Academy on using pre-existing music in the film. Zimmer used substantial elements from the predecessor in Dune 2, making it fall outside the eligibility criteria.
According to The Academy’s rule,
In cases such as sequels and franchises from any media, the score must not use more than 20% of pre-existing themes and music borrowed from previous scores in the franchise.
Unfortunately, since Zimmer’s score falls above the 20% limit, the composer will not be nominated for the 2025 Oscars. It really is a punch to the gut, huh? On the bright side, his work is still eligible for top honors like Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and the Grammys.
Of course, not all Oscar hope is lost for Zimmer who has also provided the music for Steve McQueen’s Blitz which will be released next month. Will this film bring the composer his third Academy Award?
Hans Zimmer Will Return
While being ineligible for a nomination in the 2025 Oscars is nothing short of a blow, Zimmer still has a chance to make a comeback with the third film of the trilogy.
In an interview with Variety earlier this year, Zimmer revealed that he was not done with the franchise just yet. In fact, director Denis Villeneuve roped him into the third movie only on the second day of shooting Dune 2.
When asked if he was still writing music for the franchise, Zimmer told the publication,
Of course. Denis comes in on the second day of shooting, and wordlessly comes in and puts ‘Dune: Messiah’ on my desk, and I know where we’re going and I know we’re not done.
Here’s hoping that Zimmer comes back stronger than ever for the next film and gets himself the Oscar that he deserves!
Dune: Part 2 is available to watch on Max.
