Why would Hans Zimmer's Dune 2 score not get an Oscar? Explained

Why would Hans Zimmer
The score of Dune 2 will not be considered for an Oscar (Image via YouTube / Warner Bros. Pictures)

An epic science fiction film, Dune 2, also known as Dune: Part Two, is a sequel to Dune based on the works by Frank Herbert. The sequel is directed and co-produced by Denis Villeneuve, who also co-wrote the film's screenplay with Jon Spaihts.

While Dune: Part Two is known among audiences for its score, which was composed by Hans Zimmer, the score for the film was announced to be ineligible for an Oscar. The score for Dune 2 was considered ineligible for submission due to exceeding the Academy's limit on pre-existing music.

Dune: Part Two sees Paul Atreides come together with the Fremen people of Arrakis, a desert planet who intend to take up arms with House Harkonnen. The cast of Dune 2 includes Timothee Chalamet, Zendaya, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgard, and Charlotte Rampling.


Why is Dune 2 score not eligible for an Oscar?

Zendaya as seen in Dune: Part Two (Image via YouTube / Warner Bros. Pictures)
Zendaya as seen in Dune: Part Two (Image via YouTube / Warner Bros. Pictures)

The score of Dune 2, composed by Academy award-winning composer Hans Zimmer, will not be considered for the Best Original Score Category. The score is ineligible as the amount of pre-existing music from Dune in the score of Dune 2 goes above the limit set by the Academy.

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."

Hans Zimmer included many musical elements in the score of Dune: Part Two, which were also present in the score of Dune. Since it exceeded the limit set by the Academy, the score was deemed ineligible to be nominated for an Oscar.

Dune: Part Two is not the only film not considered for an Oscar by the Academy's music division. The scores of films such as Arrival, Drive, Black Swan, There Will Be Blood, and The Master have also been disqualified in the past.


Will Hans Zimmer be eligible for an Oscar in the future?

A still from the trailer of Dune: Part Two (Image via YouTube / Warner Bros. Pictures)
A still from the trailer of Dune: Part Two (Image via YouTube / Warner Bros. Pictures)

While the score of Dune: Part Two is disqualified, Hans Zimmer's score for the upcoming Steve McQueen's World War II drama film Blitz will be eligible for an Oscar nomination. This might give Hans Zimmer another chance to win in the future.

After it was announced that the score of Dune: Part Two would not be eligible for an Oscar, Hans Zimmer continued to show his support for the film, which has yet to hear about its other nominations. He stated,

"I'm immensely proud of what we've collaboratively crafted with visionaires like Denis Villeneuve. This is our contribution to a larger cinematic experience."

Audiences can catch Dune 2 on Max. To read more about the latest stories and updates on shows, soaps, and films, stay tuned to SoapCentral.

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Edited by Toshali Kritika