Hans Zimmer’s score for *Dune: Part II* is ineligible for the Oscars due to its reliance on themes from the first film, exceeding the Academy’s 20% limit for sequels. Despite this setback, the acclaimed composition remains eligible for other awards, including the Critics Choice and Golden Globes. Zimmer emphasized his dedication to storytelling over accolades, highlighting his collaboration with director Denis Villeneuve. The film continues to be a strong contender in various categories as it makes its awards circuit debut.
One of the most highly anticipated soundtracks of the year will not compete for an Oscar. Although it remains eligible for awards from Critics Choice, Golden Globes, and others, Hans Zimmer’s composition for Dune: Part II is not eligible for Oscar consideration this year.
Dune 2, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has received widespread acclaim since its release in theaters last March. Both critics and audiences have praised its stunning visuals and compelling narrative, with particular accolades directed towards its score by Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer. However, due to exceeding a stipulated limit set by the Academy, Zimmer’s powerful score for this sci-fi epic cannot be nominated for the Best Original Score category.
The Academy’s rule states, “In cases such as sequels and franchises in any medium, the score must use no more than 20% of pre-existing themes and music borrowed from previous scores in the franchise.” Since Zimmer’s composition for Dune: Part II heavily incorporates music from his score for the first Dune film, it does not qualify for consideration.
Despite this setback, Zimmer’s work for Dune 2 is still in the race for recognition from other prestigious awards, including the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and even the Grammys. Additionally, his score for Steve McQueen’s upcoming World War II drama, Blitz, remains eligible for Oscar nomination, providing another opportunity for recognition this year. Zimmer has previously collaborated with McQueen on The Widows and 12 Years a Slave, the latter winning the Academy Award for Best Picture in 2014.
Creating Music Beyond Awards
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Hans Zimmer shared that his focus is not on awards but on storytelling and establishing a connection with the audience. He elaborated, “In the world of storytelling, our goal is to serve the narrative and create a connection with the audience. With Dune: Part Two, we continue the journey we started in the first half of the book at the exact moment we stopped it. The score has always been written to develop and evolve its themes and bring them, like the book, to a natural, planned end from the first word to the last note.“
As noted by Variety, this situation adds Dune 2 to a growing lineup of exceptional film scores that were deemed ineligible for Oscar nominations, including prominent examples like Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score for Arrival (2016), Cliff Martinez’s work on Drive (2011), Clint Mansell’s score for Black Swan (2010), and Jonny Greenwood’s compositions for There Will Be Blood (2007) and The Master (2012). Interestingly, legendary composer John Williams has received multiple nominations for sequels and franchises, notably in the Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Indiana Jones franchises.
Despite the exclusion from this year’s Oscar race, Zimmer remains supportive of Dune 2 as it continues on its awards journey. He stated, “I’m extremely proud of what we’ve created in collaboration with visionaries like Denis Villeneuve. It’s our contribution to a broader cinematic experience.“
Hans Zimmer boasts a remarkable career that has left a significant impact on film music. With a total of 12 Oscar nominations and two wins for The Lion King (1994) and Dune (2021), his accolades also include four Grammys, six Emmy nominations, and a Tony Award nomination, solidifying his status as one of the most influential composers in the industry.
Expectations for Oscars
Dune: Part II is still anticipated to contend for several Oscars, following the success of its predecessor, which won six awards and was nominated in every technical category.
The narrative of this sequel follows Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who collaborates with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen to lead a rebellion against those responsible for his family’s demise. Plagued by ominous visions, he faces the ultimate choice between the love of his life and the fate of the universe. The film features performances from Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem