Zendaya targets best actress Oscar nomination for 'Dune: Part Three'

Zendaya will campaign for a best actress Oscar for playing Chani in 'Dune: Part Three', marking a major category shift

Zendaya is set to campaign for the best actress category at the Academy Awards for her role as Chani in Dune: Part Three, marking a change from the supporting actress category in which she was positioned for the franchise’s first two films.

According to multiple sources cited by Variety, the decision reflects Chani’s expanded role in the upcoming instalment, which is directed by Denis Villeneuve and serves as the final chapter of his science-fiction saga. Warner Bros. and representatives for Zendaya declined to comment on the reported campaign.

Dune: Part Three takes place nearly two decades after Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, takes control of the Imperium. Paul has become a ruthless emperor and faces the consequences of his rule as old allies return, new threats emerge and a conspiracy develops. Chani is central to the unfolding mystery as the story explores the cost of power and the fate of those close to Paul.

The film also features Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Charlotte Rampling and Isaach de Bankolé. Warner Bros. is scheduled to release the film in cinemas and IMAX on December 18.

The reported Oscar campaign comes during a busy year for Zendaya. She is also expected to compete in the lead actress category for The Drama, a romantic dark comedy directed by Kristoffer Borgli and co-starring Robert Pattinson. For Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, she will seek supporting actress recognition alongside Anne Hathaway, Samantha Morton and Charlize Theron.

Zendaya previously won two Emmy Awards for playing Rue in Euphoria and received a Golden Globe for the role in 2023. She also earned two Golden Globe nominations in 2025 for Challengers, as an actress and producer.

An Oscar nomination would be the actor’s first.