In a notable turn of events heading into the 2025 Academy Awards, Denis Villeneuve, the director of “Dune: Part Two,” has publicly voiced his disappointment regarding the exclusion of Hans Zimmer’s score from the Best Original Score category. With “Dune: Part Two” emerging as one of the standout films of 2024, the decision has left many fans and creatives alike feeling disheartened.
The Academy’s ruling stems from guidelines that state a sequel must not incorporate over 20% of music from its predecessor to qualify for an Oscar. Unfortunately for Zimmer, much of his score for “Part Two” shares thematic elements with his award-winning work from the first “Dune” film, making him ineligible this time around. While his previous soundtrack for “Dune” garnered him an Oscar, fans argue that the sequel’s score is even more impressive, featuring memorable pieces like “A Time of Quiet Between the Storms.”
At a recent screening in New York, Villeneuve passionately championed Zimmer’s work. “I’m strongly against the Academy’s decision to exclude Hans,” he remarked. “His score is absolutely one of the best of the year.” The director went on to highlight the artistic continuity between the two films, describing the duology as “one big movie cut in half.” He acknowledged that while certain motifs reappear, “Dune: Part Two” includes a plethora of new musical compositions that enhance the film’s more action-oriented narrative.
Despite his frustrations, Villeneuve maintained a light-hearted stance. “I’m not here to complain,” he quipped, stressing that the soundtrack represents a continuation of the first film’s emotional depth. His collaboration with Zimmer has been a significant aspect of the project’s development, stemming from their shared admiration for Frank Herbert’s original novel. Villeneuve described Zimmer as integral to the film’s core, stating, “The first person I reached out to was Hans. I knew he wanted to be part of this journey.”
Interestingly, Villeneuve shared that at one point, Zimmer appeared nervous about crafting the film’s love theme. He explained, “He was concerned about writing something that would encapsulate the heartache of young love.” This conversation led to the creation of the pivotal theme, which ultimately stands out in the film and showcases the duo’s successful partnership.
Though Hans Zimmer may not be taking home an Oscar this year for “Dune: Part Two,” the impact of his score will undoubtedly resonate with audiences and thrive within the cinematic landscape for years to come.
