Earlier, a Variety report stated that legendary composer Hans Zimmer's score for Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Best Original Score category at the 97th Academy Awards. "In cases such as sequels and franchises from any media, the score must not use more than 20% of pre-existing themes and music borrowed from previous scores in the franchise," said the Academy.

According to a recent independent review, Zimmer’s composition has considerable portions from his own score for Dune, so it falls beyond the Academy's eligibility requirements. Nevertheless, Warner Bros. Pictures has submitted it for the award, says a new Variety report. The studio's latest For Your Consideration web page mentions it as an Oscar submission, which signifies its commitment to gain awards and attention for the Denis Villeneuve directorial.

According to Zimmer and Villeneuve, the film is not a second part but rather a continuation of the film adaptation of the iconic Frank Herbert novel.

While the decision of the Academy is pending, the Dune: Part Two score is eligible for other recognitions such as the Golden Globes, Critics Choice Awards, the Grammys, and BAFTA. And Zimmer is in contention for a Best Original Score Oscar for his work on Steve McQueen’s forthcoming Second World War drama Blitz.