The Oscars Snubbed Dune 2: What Were They Thinking?!

In 2024, “Dune: Part Two” premiered in cinemas and broke box office records, earning a place among the top movies of that year. Given its meticulous production, loyal adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic work, and ability to resonate with a wide audience, it was widely anticipated that this film by Denis Villeneuve would receive significant recognition at prestigious awards like the Golden Globes and Oscars. However, the surprise came when it only received two nominations at the Golden Globes, but managed to secure a few more nods at the year’s most prominent film awards, pushing its Oscar nominations up to five. While this was an improvement, it still fell short of the expectation for such an exceptional production.

Just as any other enthusiast of the Dune series, I find myself struggling to understand why the Academy appears to undervalue the 2024’s major sci-fi event by not awarding more nominations. Granted, the sequel received a nomination for Best Picture, but amidst ten competing films, it seems like a token acknowledgment rather than a genuine recognition of its merit.

Globally acclaimed, I find myself drawing parallels between Dune: Part Two and a movie that won multiple Golden Globes. Emilia Pérez, with its 13 Oscar nominations, has been a buzzworthy topic and remains relatively unknown to many. While awards don’t solely depend on the number of screenings, it’s an aspect worth pondering. Given that Dune was highly acclaimed and boasts a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, why did it only receive five nominations? It almost seems as though the Academy chose to overlook it entirely.

Initially, it’s surprising that “Dune: Part Two” was overlooked for the Best Original Score category, given Hans Zimmer’s reputation as one of the greatest composers ever. However, upon closer inspection, it seems the film’s soundtrack used elements from the original “Dune,” which violates the Academy’s eligibility rules regarding originality. Director Denis Villeneuve and composer Hans Zimmer didn’t mince words about this issue, with Zimmer stating that these rules can unintentionally limit artistic freedom. Frankly, I couldn’t agree more with their sentiment.

Beyond stating the movie’s outstanding narrative aspects, it’s essential to highlight the stunning visual elements that left me uneasy due to the oversight in recognizing Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling categories. The presence of such awards at the Oscars underscores the importance of storytelling that goes beyond scriptwriting and direction alone. I can’t help but wonder about the Academy’s decision-making process when they deemed Florence Pugh’s remarkable costume design for Princess Irulan, or the stunning transformations of Austin Butler and Stellan Skarsgård as Harkonnen family members, insignificant.

It’s hard to grasp why these critical elements were overlooked in the film, especially since they significantly enhanced the immersion and visual appeal that made the movie so highly acclaimed. It might be justifiable to exclude categories for best acting when considering a film like Dune, but it seems unfair not to acknowledge its obvious merits. The Academy seemed to ignore what was arguably one of the most spectacular cinematic experiences of the year, with characters and visuals that greatly contributed to its success.

However, the most significant challenge that persists, and may remain unexplained, is the omission of Villeneuve from the Best Director category despite his exceptional work on Dune. His cinematic interpretation has earned him widespread acclaim as a master filmmaker, as he flawlessly executed what even David Lynch could not achieve with the initial 1984 version of Dune. The intricate narrative complexity of the original material was skillfully translated to the screen without appearing strange or convoluted, demonstrating nothing short of brilliance. Furthermore, Villeneuve is also recognized for his contributions in the Adapted Screenplay category. Remarkably, Josh Brolin, a fellow cast member, expressed astonishment so profound that he contemplated abandoning his acting career.

As the sun sets, I’m still puzzled – even with experts raving about every detail of the movie, why doesn’t the Academy share the same sentiment? It’s hard to comprehend how such a revered institution for cinema could differ so dramatically from everyone else. The release date might hold some answers, but it seems odd that it would impact the Dune sequel’s Oscar potential. After all, it’s slated as the first film of 2024 to hit screens in early March. While it may not be the most memorable movie for many, that shouldn’t diminish its chances with the Academy. It’s tough to say for certain, but yes, I can’t entirely dismiss this possibility, though it does seem rather unusual.

To rephrase, let me clarify that the events in question occurred not in 2021. The first Dune movie received a total of ten nominations. However, despite being considered the superior sequel, Dune: Part 2 didn’t receive the same number of nominations. It’s puzzling to find reasons for such a significant snub of Dune: Part 2 since it seems illogical. The Oscars have often been surrounded by debates about controversies related to nominations, bribery, and prejudice. Could this be another instance? Only time will tell. It’s perplexing to consider the direction cinema might take when such circumstances occur – Dune: Messiah is on the horizon. As the film garners global praise, the industry’s most prestigious award seems to go against the grain. It’s mind-boggling.

Dune: Part 2 is available to stream on Max.

2025-02-02 08:10

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