One of the year’s most anticipated and epic musical scores won’t be in the running for an Academy Award.
Warner Bros.’ “Dune: Part Two,” directed by Denis Villeneuve, was met with critical acclaim when it hit theaters in March. Both critics and audiences lauded the film’s visuals, storytelling, and, most notably, the music score by Academy Award-winning composer Hans Zimmer. However, Zimmer’s powerful and evocative score for the sci-fi epic is not eligible for this year’s Oscars due to surpassing the Academy’s limit on pre-existing music; therefore, it cannot be nominated in the best original score category.
The Academy’s rule states: “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.” Since Zimmer’s composition for “Dune: Part Two” incorporates substantial elements from his work on 2021’s “Dune,” it falls outside of the eligibility criteria.
However, Zimmer’s work on “Dune 2” remains in contention to be recognized by other awards bodies, including the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and even the Grammys. Additionally, Zimmer’s score for Steve McQueen’s upcoming World War II drama “Blitz” remains eligible, providing the composer another shot at Academy recognition this year. Zimmer and McQueen have previously collaborated on “Widows” and the best picture winner “12 Years a Slave.”
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For an upcoming exclusive interview with Variety, Zimmer shares that he doesn’t make music for awards, and gives insight into the creative process behind making the music for “Dune 2.”
“In the world of storytelling, our purpose is to serve the narrative and connect with the audience,” Zimmer says. “With ‘Dune: Part Two,’ we continue the journey we began in the first half of the book at the exact moment we left off. The score was always written to expand and evolve its themes and take them, like the book, to a natural ending, planned from the first word to the last note.”
This latest development adds “Dune: Part Two” to a growing list of exceptional film scores deemed ineligible for Oscar consideration by the Academy’s Music Branch. Other notable examples include Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score for “Arrival” (2016), Cliff Martinez’s work in “Drive” (2011), and Clint Mansell’s music in “Black Swan” (2010). One of the most egregious examples involves composer Jonny Greenwood, whose work on “There Will Be Blood” (2007) and “The Master” (2012) was also disqualified from the Oscars. Interestingly, however, composing legend John Williams has found himself nominated multiple times for sequels and franchise films, including six “Star Wars” films, two for “Harry Potter,” and four for the “Indiana Jones” series.
Despite the setback, the German maestro continues to support “Dune 2” as it continues its journey on the awards circuit. “I’m immensely proud of what we’ve collaboratively crafted with visionaries like Denis Villeneuve. This is our contribution to a larger cinematic experience,” Zimmer said.
Hans Zimmer’s remarkable career spans decades, with a body of work that has left an indelible mark on modern cinema. The prolific composer has garnered 12 Oscar nominations and won twice, for “The Lion King” (1994) and “Dune” (2021). Beyond the Oscars, he has earned four Grammy Awards, six Emmy nominations, and even a Tony nomination, further cementing his legacy as one of the most accomplished and influential composers in the entertainment industry.
While his score for “Dune: Part Two” may not be vying for the Academy’s top prize, Zimmer’s impact on movies and music resonates beyond the Oscar race.
“Dune: Part Two” follows the treacherous universe alongside Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet), who’s journey intertwines with new allies and enemies. The film also stars Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Austin Butler, Florence Pugh, Javier Bardem and Christopher Walken. “Dune 2” is now streaming on HBO | Max.
