Variety reported that Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack for ‘Dune: Part Two’ has raised questions about its eligibility for Academy consideration. An independent review questioned whether the score meets the Academy’s standards, as it includes thematic elements from Zimmer’s Academy Award-winning work on 2021’s Dune. This could potentially exceed the limit for pre-existing music allowed under the Academy’s guidelines. Nevertheless, Warner Bros. submitted Zimmer’s composition for Academy consideration, hopeful that his innovative contributions to the film would meet the requirements and earn a nomination.
However, the Academy’s Music Branch and other committees have not yet reviewed the submission. Therefore, it won’t be known whether the score will be on the ballot until the Oscar shortlist voting period begins on December 9. The Academy will announce 20 shortlisted scores on December 17.
Warner Bros. has demonstrated its commitment by updating its For Your Consideration page on October 30, adding Zimmer’s ‘Dune: Part Two’ score to the official submissions.
Zimmer’s work remains eligible for consideration by other influential bodies, including the BAFTAs, Golden Globes, and Critics Choice Awards, keeping the film’s music in the awards circuit spotlight.
Hopeful yet defiant, Villeneuve says, “I don’t think this is over yet… I was there when Hans wrote the music, and he did a tremendous amount of music. ‘Part Two’ is a new score. I don’t accept this because it’s one of the most beautiful scores Hans has ever written, and I would love it, at least, to be considered.”
The Academy’s rule on music eligibility for sequels is clear: “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.” Zimmer’s score for ‘Dune: Part Two’ incorporates key cues from the 2021 film, which many believe may exceed the Academy’s 20% threshold.
With an all-star cast including Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem, and Christopher Walken, ‘Dune: Part Two’ continues the grand and hazardous story of Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, as he navigates a universe rife with new alliances and adversaries.
