Denis Villeneuve Criticizes Oscars Over Excluding ‘Dune: Part Two’ Score

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Before the formal event of the 2025 Oscars, there’s already a stir of debate brewing. The highly anticipated “Dune: Part Two” is at odds with The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences regarding Hans Zimmer’s extraordinary score for the 2024 sequel. The Academy believes the score is ineligible for consideration in the Best Original Score category, a ruling that Zimmer himself disputes. Despite this disagreement, Zimmer remains primarily concerned with the quality of his composition and the movie itself rather than its award prospects. Stepping into the role of Paul Atreides declaring himself as the Lisan al Gaib, “Dune: Part Two’s” director, Denis Villeneuve, has entered the fray, supporting Zimmer’s score and challenging The Academy’s decision on eligibility.

As a movie critic, I can’t help but voice my displeasure over the Academy’s decision to overlook Hans Zimmer’s extraordinary score for “Dune: Part Two” this year. In an interview with SlashFilm, director Denis Villeneuve expressed his strong disagreement with this choice, stating that he believes Zimmer’s score is one of the standout musical achievements of 2025.

While it’s unfortunate that the Academy didn’t share this sentiment, it’s clear that Zimmer’s powerful composition left a lasting impact on Villeneuve. He knows firsthand how impactful and memorable the score was in bringing the film to life. Although the 2025 Golden Globes awarded “Challengers” with Best Score instead, I can’t help but feel that Zimmer’s exceptional work for “Dune: Part Two” deserved recognition beyond just the Academy.

“I don’t use the word genius often, but Hans is one.”

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided against using Hans Zimmer’s score for the sequel due to excessive similarities and numerous sound samples from the 2021 Dune original score. Director Denis Villeneuve explained that there should be some consistency between the scores, as he perceives both parts as one continuous film split in two. He stated that Part Two’s score is inherently connected to Part One because of the narrative continuity. However, Villeneuve emphasized that he does not intend to complain about this decision, instead viewing the soundtrack as an extension of Part One.

‘Dune: Messiah’ Begins FIlming Soon

With the 2025 awards season upon us, sci-fi enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating “Dune: Part Two,” hoping it can equal the original’s six Oscar victories. Yet, once the Oscars wrap up, the spotlight will swiftly shift towards the forthcoming “Dune: Part Three.” Adapting Frank Herbert’s second book, “Dune: Messiah,” this upcoming sequel has kept everyone involved close-mouthed about its details. Fortunately, the director has shared some clues regarding when filming for the project will commence.

In October 2025, Villeneuve shared with Deadline that production for “Dune: Part Three” would likely start towards the end of 2025 or early 2026. Villeneuve further clarified that not only will “Part Three” conclude the story arc of Paul Atreides, but it will also bring a final chapter to his time within the universe of “Dune.” Previously, the franchise attempted to carry on without Villeneuve, with HBO’s “Dune: Prophecy” premiering in late 2024. This series received a mixed reception from both critics and viewers, yet a second season was greenlit by HBO even before its thrilling finale. As of now, it is anticipated that “Dune Part Three” will be released on December 18, 2026.

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2025-01-07 18:33