Dune 2 Fails Oscar Eligibility In Shocking Turn

The rule keeping Dune 2 from competing for the Best Original Score Oscar outlines how much a score can lean on pre-existing music. According to the rule, if more than 20 percent of a score comes from a previous franchise entry, it is disqualified for the award. Hans Zimmer built significantly on the first movie’s score, and the Academy has determined he relied too heavily on his work from the first film to qualify for this year’s award. 

Many fans will be disappointed at the Dune 2 Oscar snub, as Hans Zimmer’s score was very well regarded. The film’s music was often mentioned in reviews, helping it to earn its stellar reputation and 92 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans on social media also touted Zimmer’s work as exceptional. 

Some are also upset at the seemingly hypocritical Academy for disqualifying Dune 2 while giving Oscars to other franchises with highly referential scores. John Williams is a prime example of this, earning half a dozen nominations for Star Wars movies despite heavily relying on the franchise’s numerous themes. Meanwhile, films like There Will Be Blood and Arrival have been deemed ineligible in past awards despite not belonging to franchises.  

The score for Dune 2 may not be up for an Oscar, but there are plenty of other awards for which it’s still a strong contender to win. It’s eligible for the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Emmy’s. Despite the Academy Awards disqualification, it would be surprising if Zimmer didn’t bring home an award of some kind for his work on the movie. 

Despite Dune 2 not being Oscar-eligible, Hans Zimmer has had plenty of recognition over the years at the Academy Awards. In his decades-long career, the composer has earned a dozen nominations for his film scores. He’s also won the award twice, once for The Lion King in 1994 and again in 2021 for the first Dune. 

Hans Zimmer also has another score that, unlike Dune 2, is eligible for an Oscar this year. Blitz, Steve McQueen’s period piece war film, was scored by Zimmer and stands a very good chance of earning a nomination. Collaborations between McQueen and Zimmer have a strong legacy at the awards, with 12 Years a Slave winning Best Picture in 2014. 

The Academy Awards always seem to generate a few high-profile snubs, and it seems the sci-fi epic is getting the short end of the stick this time around. The disqualification means it won’t be able to repeat the first film’s achievement of being nominated for every technical category, but it’s still a frontrunner for several other awards. Fans may be upset to see his score snubbed, but Dune 2 could still have a big night at this year’s Oscars.

Source: Variety