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The moment every film fanatic was waiting for finally arrived last week, giving us the lucky few nominees who are in the running for the 97th Academy Awards. WhileEmilia Pérez, WickedandThe Brutalistlead the list with the most nominations, Denis Villeneuve’sDune: Part Twowas left behind grasping for straws. Sure, the film has been nominated in a few categories, but that doesn’t mean the Academy did any justice to the masterpiece that was this sci-fi thriller.
Which brings us to our question – why do the Oscars keep overlookingtheDunesaga when it is clearly one of the most ambitious, visually stunning, and narratively intricate films in recent cinematic history?
Denis Villeneuve’sDune: Part 2had an early release
This Oscars,Dune 2has been nominated for five awards but only one of these is for a main category – Best Picture. Apart from this, it has been nominated for Best Sound, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Visual Effects.
Neither wasDenis Villeneuvenominated for Best Director nor wereTimothée ChalametorZendayanominated for their portrayals of Paul and Chani. While a Best Picture nomination may seem like somewhat of a win, it should be noted thatDune 2is listed with nine other entries, each better than the last.
“I’m going to quit acting”: Sebastian Stan, Monica Barbaro and Other Stars React to Oscar Nominations While Josh Brolin Expresses Frustration Over Dune 2 Disaster
Dune 2was all set for a release in November 2023 but due to the SAG AFTRA strikes, there was little to no room to properly promote the film. Promoting the film is almost as important as making a film. Creating hype for your work will only attract an audience towards it, increasing the chances of making a mark on the industry.
Due to the strikes,Dune 2had to be postponed. Now, pushing the sequel all the way to November 2024 was not an option. After all, a one-year delay could’ve hurt the franchise in more ways than one. Thus, Warner Bros decided to have it released in March. While this kept the excitement high, it reduced its chances of scoring big at the award season in 2025.
ShouldDune 2have stuck with its original release date, maybe the 2024 Oscars would’ve been kinder to it than 2025.
IsDunenot a worthy competitor?
From period dramas to musical fantasies, these genres have made their mark on the Oscars over the years. Even this year,The BrutalistandWickedare leading the way. What’s left behind is the stunning sci-fi thriller that wasDune: Part Two.
Taking a trip down memory lane all the way to 1969, the absolute classic2001: A Space Odysseywas not even nominated for Best Picture at the 41st Academy Awards. Fast forward to 2018 and finally,The Shape of Waterbagged the award. Does the Academy have a bone to pick with sci-fi?
![Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya in Dune: Part Two (2023) [Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures]](https://i2.wp.com/fwmedia.fandomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/15132814/Dune-Part-Two-2023-1024x683.jpg)
“Did everyone forget Dune came out in March?”: ‘Emilia Perez’ Getting Nominated Over ‘Dune 2’ at BAFTAs Is All the Proof You Need Why Awards Don’t Mean Anything
Thirdly,Dune: 2being majorly excluded from the nominations is a good example of elitism when it comes to the Oscars. Sure, it might not be an arthouse drama or a biopic based on a historical figure, butDuneis a masterpiece on its own. Just because it is a blockbuster with mass appeal does not mean it’s not “serious” art.
All in all, the Academy needs to understand that sci-fi isn’t just about explosions and CGI, it’s a genre that tells stories like no other. It’s about time we give Villeneuve the recognition he deserves!
Mishkaat Khan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2257
A connoisseur of all things horror, fantasy, and the occasional chick flick, Mishkaat has been penning pieces for FandomWire since 2022. She started off as an intern and has worked her way up to a Senior Writer with over 2000 articles to her name.Outside of entertainment, she has also written well-researched medical content as a freelance writer and has experience in social media management.When not writing, you may find her relaxing with a romance novel and a tall glass of iced coffee in her hand or watching re-runs of ‘Supernatural’ and ‘The Office.’
