Hans Zimmer’s ‘Dune 2’ score ineligible for Oscars due to Academy rule on pre-existing music

Hans Zimmer’s acclaimed score for Dune: Part Two will not be eligible for the 2024 Academy Awards, as it surpasses the Academy's limit on pre-existing music, according to Variety. 

The Academy’s rules state that no more than 20% of a film's score can include music from previous works within a franchise. Zimmer's score for Dune 2 incorporates themes from his 2021 composition for Dune, making it ineligible for the best original score category.

Despite the setback, Zimmer’s score will still be in contention for other prestigious awards, including the Critics Choice Awards, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs. Additionally, Zimmer’s score for Steve McQueen’s upcoming World War II drama Blitz remains eligible for Oscar consideration. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Zimmer said, “In the world of storytelling, our purpose is to serve the narrative and connect with the audience... The score was always written to expand and evolve its themes.”

This is not the first time a major film score has been disqualified from the Oscars. Other notable examples include Jóhann Jóhannsson’s score for Arrival (2016) and Clint Mansell’s work on Black Swan (2010). Despite this disqualification, Zimmer remains optimistic about his contribution to Dune 2 and its impact on the larger cinematic experience.