Denis Villeneuve Reacts to the Academy’s Decision to Disqualify Hans Zimmer from Best Score Category

Dune: Part Two was a massive hit in 2024, but not everyone involved will be getting recognition from the Academy Awards. Hans Zimmer, the legendary composer, won’t be in the running for Best Original Score this time.

This is because the sequel’s music reused too much from the first film, breaking the Academy’s rule that limits a sequel to using no more than 20% of the original score. Zimmer’s exclusion is softened a bit by the fact that his work on the first “Dune” movie already won him an Oscar.

Still, many feel that the music in “Part Two” is even stronger, especially the moving love theme, ‘A Time of Quiet Between the Storms.’ Director Denis Villeneuve, at a screening in New York on January 2, 2025, expressed his disappointment over the Academy’s decision, as per Slash/Film.

Villeneuve called Zimmer’s work on the film ‘one of the best scores of the year’ and didn’t hesitate to call the composer a ‘genius.’ Villeneuve believes the Academy’s rule doesn’t fit well with the “Dune” films, which he sees as one continuous story split in half.

The director noted that while some themes carry over from the first film, Part Two also brings plenty of fresh, original music. The sequel’s score, he argued, plays a crucial role in its more intense and dramatic moments.

Despite the setback, Villeneuve made it clear he isn’t holding a grudge. During his talk, he said, ‘I’m not here to complain,’ but highlighted how Zimmer’s score continues the story from the first film, adding new depth and emotion.

One interesting moment Villeneuve shared was about Zimmer’s nerves when composing the love theme. ‘The only time I saw Hans nervous was when we talked about the love theme,’ the director revealed.

Zimmer was tasked with creating a piece that would capture the deep connection between the characters, and it made him pale at the challenge. The result, however, was the beautiful ‘A Time of Quiet Between the Storms,’ which has since become a standout piece from the film.

Though Zimmer won’t be recognized by the Academy for his work on Dune: Part Two, his score has already made a lasting impact on audiences and will likely remain memorable for years to come.

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