Dune: Part Two is currently one of the hottest films in theaters and its universal critical acclaim has already generated Oscars buzz for next year. As the 96th Academy Awards recently concluded, it was announced that the ceremony would be adding a new category in 2026, which will acknowledge an important department of filmmaking.
Given the nature of the new category, Dune: Part Two would be a strong fan-favorite. However, it seems as if the epic sci-fi tale directed by Denis Villeneuve will be robbed of an Oscar in the new category through no fault of its own. Here is everything you need to know about the Oscars’ new category and why Dune: Part Two will almost certainly not win it.
Dune: Part Two is a Fan-Favorite For the New Category The Academy is Introducing
Dune: Part Two has emerged as a major critical and commercial success, grossing over $367.5 million at the global box office. Directed by Denis Villeneuve, the film has received praise for its narrative, visuals, and performances. As a result, the film is a strong fan favorite for several categories at next year’s Oscars.
Recently, the Academy announced that it would be introducing a new category at the ceremony, which would aim to honor the best casting for a movie and be conferred upon casting directors for their work. As a result, some fans believe that the pitch-perfect casting of Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen makes Dune: Part Two deserving of an Oscar in the brand-new category.
In the film, Butler delivers a scary and psychotic performance as the antagonistic Feyd, which has been compared to Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker. As a result, Butler’s casting could make a strong case for a Best Casting Oscar, aside from the already impressive casting of the film’s ensemble which includes Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin, Zendaya, and Javier Bardem, among others.
Dune: Part Two Will Miss Out on the New Category Coming in 2026
As previously mentioned Dune: Part Two is a strong favorite to win an Oscar in the upcoming category, presumably called Best Casting. The film’s casting director Francine Maisler is certainly a strong candidate for the Oscar, especially due to the casting of Butler as Feyd.
The casting of Anya Taylor-Joy, Florence Pugh, and Christopher Walken, who play small but important roles in the movie, also strengthens a case for Maisler to win the award. However, Dune: Part Two will almost certainly not take home the Oscar in the new category due to a technicality. Dune: Part Two was released on March 1, 2024, which made it ineligible for the 96th Academy Awards.
While the new category was announced shortly after this year’s ceremony, it is not expected to be formally introduced until 2026. Meanwhile, Dune: Part Two will contest at the Oscars in 2025, at the 97th Academy Awards. As a result, despite the brilliant casting choices on display in the film, it will lose out on a near-sure Oscar. Nonetheless, Butler’s performance could lead to a Best Supporting Actor nomination next year.
Dune: Part Two is playing in theaters near you.
