Denis Villeneuve has been left out of the Best Director category for another Dune movie, a decision that confuses cast member Josh Brolin. The Oscars once again overlooked Villeneuve’s work on Dune: Part Two, just as they did in 2022 for the first film. Back then, Dune earned 10 Oscar nominations, while the sequel only received 5 this year.
On his Instagram story, Brolin congratulated the team behind the movie:
Just want to say congratulations on the ‘Dune’ best picture nomination, to Greig Fraser on cinematography, for best visual effects, for Patrice [Vermette] on production design, and for sound.
He then expressed his disappointment about Villeneuve being snubbed, saying,
Apparently, I am going to quit acting because Denis Villeneuve didn’t get nominated. This is just how this thing works. It makes no sense to me. That’s okay. [Editor] Joe Walker and Denis, you deserve it. It’s an amazing film. It was even better than the first one. The people who have gotten accolades surely deserve it. Happy to be a part of it. Congrats everyone.
Others in the industry also shared their thoughts on Denis Villeneuve being overlooked. Chris Miller, the producer of Spider-Verse, reacted on X by saying,
There were many films that had great directing this year but what Denis did — in all aspects of the craft — was masterful.
Miller’s comment highlights the respect and admiration many have for Villeneuve’s work, emphasizing how his efforts stood out in every part of filmmaking.
Josh Brolin, who plays Gurney Halleck in both Dune movies, has always been vocal about wanting the Academy to recognize Denis Villeneuve’s incredible work. Last year, Brolin told Variety he would stop acting if the Oscars snubbed Villeneuve again.
If he doesn’t get nominated this year, I’ll quit acting, It was a better movie than the first one. When I watched it, it felt like my brain was broken open. It’s masterful, and Denis is one of our master filmmakers. If the Academy Awards have any meaning whatsoever, they’ll recognize him.
Brolin said
After Villeneuve was overlooked for the first Dune movie, Brolin posted an Instagram video expressing his frustration.
I don’t know how you get 10 nominations and then the guy who has done the impossible with that book doesn’t get nominated, It makes you realize that it’s all amazing and then it’s all fucking totally dumb. So congratulations for the amazing accomplishments that these incredibly talented people have been acknowledged for, because it’s all really, really dumb.
Brolin said
Despite the setbacks, Villeneuve might have another chance at a Best Director nomination. He is already working on a third movie in the franchise, Dune Messiah. The last time Villeneuve earned a Best Director nomination was for Arrival.