Key Takeaways:
– Hans Zimmer’s score for “Dune: Part 2” falls short of Academy Awards eligibility.
– Rule limits pre-existing music to 20% in franchise sequels.
– Score still in running for Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and Grammys.
– Oscar race now wide open, with Volker Bertelmann and Daniel Blumberg as possible frontrunners.
In a surprising twist, Hans Zimmer’s thrilling score for Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part 2” won’t compete for an Oscar, despite initial expectations. The reason? It’s seen as too much of a repeat of Zimmer’s 2021 “Dune” score.
What’s Up With the Oscar Rules?
You might be wondering why the Original Score category has this rule. In plain terms, the Academy wants to award originality, not a rerun. In the world of sequels and franchises, the rule requires that new scores contain no more than 20% of pre-existing themes. If you’ve seen “Dune: Part 2” and enjoyed Zimmer’s score, you probably noticed how similar it feels to the first film. That’s exactly why it won’t be on the Oscar ballot this time.
Don’t Worry, There’s Good News Too!
Even though this score missed the Oscar nod, it’s not out of the game completely. Other award shows aren’t as restrictive, and Zimmer’s work on “Dune: Part 2” is still in the running for the Critics Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, BAFTA, and even the Grammys! Which just goes to show, an Oscar snub doesn’t define the value of a creative work.
Who’s Up Next in the Oscar Race?
With Zimmer out of the picture, the Oscar race is wide open. It’s anyone’s guess, but some think it’s between Volker Bertelmann for “Conclave” and Daniel Blumberg for “The Brutalist”. Currently third on the prediction list are Camille and Clément Ducol for “Emilia Perez”. The Oscars can be full of surprises, so keep an eye out for potential dark horses!
The Bottom Line
While it is disappointing that Zimmer’s score for “Dune: Part 2” won’t be vying for an Oscar, it’s crucial to appreciate the integrity of the awards. The Academy prides itself on recognizing and encouraging original work. Zimmer can hold his head high, knowing his score stirred emotions and enhanced the storytelling in “Dune: Part 2″—all key aspects of a great movie score. As the saying goes, awards don’t dictate the worth—it’s what the audience takes away that matters the most.
Stay tuned for our next blog where we’ll dive into predictions for this year’s Oscar awards, and don’t forget to check out “Dune: Part 2” to hear Zimmer’s celebrated score for yourself. Trust us, it’s worth it!
