When Dune: Part Two hit theaters in March, it earned rave reviews for its stunning visuals, gripping story, and Hans Zimmer's captivating music. As the composer of the Academy Award-winning score for Dune (2021), Zimmer's return to the series brought high expectations, and he delivered. However, despite the praise, the Academy ruled Zimmer's score ineligible for this year's Oscars. Why? Let's dive into the details.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has strict rules for its "Best Original Score" category. For a score to qualify, it must primarily feature new, original music. Sequels and franchise films face an additional hurdle: the music cannot reuse more than 20% of themes or elements from previous entries in the series.
Hans Zimmer's music for Dune: Part Two incorporates themes and motifs from his score for Dune (2021). While this continuity enhances the storytelling, it exceeds the Academy's 20% limit. As a result, the score is considered ineligible, even though it expands and evolves the original themes in innovative ways.
Hans Zimmer's perspective
Zimmer himself isn't too worried about awards. In an interview, he explained that his priority is always the story. For Dune: Part Two, he composed the music to seamlessly continue the journey from the first film, mirroring the book's structure.
“The purpose is to serve the narrative and connect with the audience,” he said.
Zimmer's disqualification isn't unique. Over the years, several iconic scores have faced the same fate. Jóhann Jóhannsson's Arrival (2016), Cliff Martinez's Drive (2011), and Jonny Greenwood's There Will Be Blood (2007) were all deemed ineligible for similar reasons.
Yet, composers like John Williams have received nominations for sequels, including Star Wars and Harry Potter. This inconsistency raises questions about how the Academy applies its rules.
Zimmer has also voiced concerns about the broader implications of such rules. He worries they may discourage studios from investing in long-form storytelling, like Dune or The Lord of the Rings. If composers can't carry themes across multiple films, it could limit creative possibilities.
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While the Academy may have disqualified Zimmer's score, other awards bodies are less restrictive. The Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and even the Grammys could still honor his work. Additionally, Zimmer's score for Steve McQueen's upcoming WWII drama Blitz remains eligible for Oscar consideration, giving him another chance to compete.
The Academy's decision to exclude Zimmer's Dune: Part Two score highlights the challenges of balancing rules with creativity. While some may see this as a setback, it underscores the importance of Zimmer's work in pushing the boundaries of what film music can achieve. Regardless of awards, his contribution to the Dune saga will resonate for years because the score is critical in building tension and delivering an unforgettable conclusion.
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