Monday, April 6, 2026

Hans Zimmer says ‘Dune: Part Two’ Oscars disqualification was “stupid”

Critically acclaimed composer, Hans Zimmer, has recently voiced his opinion on the Academy’s decision to disqualify ‘Dune: Part Two’ from the Oscars race. In an exclusive interview with NME, Zimmer boldly expressed his disappointment with the ruling, labeling it as “stupid”.

For those unfamiliar with the controversy, the Academy announced that ‘Dune: Part Two’, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2021 sci-fi blockbuster, will not be eligible to compete in any category at the upcoming Oscars ceremony. This decision sparked outrage among fans and critics alike, who believed the film would have been a strong contender for various prestigious awards, including Best Original Score.

It is no surprise that Hans Zimmer, who composed the score for both ‘Dune: Part One’ and its upcoming sequel, was quick to speak out against this decision. The award-winning composer is no stranger to the Oscars, having won an Academy Award for his work on ‘The Lion King’ in 1995 and receiving a total of 12 nominations throughout his career.

In his interview with NME, Zimmer expressed his frustration with the Academy’s disqualification of ‘Dune: Part Two’, stating that “it’s a shame that such a talented group of people will not have the opportunity to be recognized for their hard work.” He also added, “I believe that the decision was made haphazardly and without proper consideration for the quality and impact of the film.”

Zimmer’s comments struck a chord with many in the industry, with several fellow composers and filmmakers also expressing their disappointment with the Academy’s ruling. Social media has been flooded with posts from fans and creators voicing their support for ‘Dune: Part Two’ and calling for the Academy to reconsider their decision.

One major argument against the disqualification is the fact that ‘Dune: Part Two’ is a continuation of the story and should, therefore, be considered as one film rather than two separate entities. This is a valid point, as the film is adapted from a single novel and was always intended to be released in two parts.

Furthermore, the stunning visuals and immersive sound design in ‘Dune: Part One’ have set high expectations for the sequel, which is set to be released later this year. With Zimmer’s critically praised score as a highlight of the first film, it comes as no surprise that many were anticipating a well-deserved Oscar nomination for the composer.

The decision to disqualify ‘Dune: Part Two’ has also sparked a conversation about the Academy’s eligibility rules and the need for review and update to better reflect the changing landscape of film and storytelling. With streaming platforms becoming a significant player in the industry, these rules need to be adapted to ensure fair consideration for all films, regardless of their distribution method.

Despite the disappointment and outrage, Zimmer remains positive and is confident that the Academy will eventually realize their mistake and rectify it. He stated, “I have faith in the Academy and their ability to recognize and appreciate great work. I truly hope that ‘Dune: Part Two’ will be given the chance it deserves to compete at the Oscars.”

In conclusion, the controversy surrounding the disqualification of ‘Dune: Part Two’ from the Oscars race has sparked a much-needed conversation about the Academy’s eligibility rules and the recognition of films released on streaming platforms. Hans Zimmer’s strong stance on the matter has shed light on the impact of this decision on the hard-working individuals behind the film and has rallied support from fans and fellow creators. Let us hope that the Academy will listen to these voices and make the right decision by reconsidering their ruling on ‘Dune: Part Two’.

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