Academy Awards 2025: Will Dune: Part Two Win Best Visual Effects Again?

Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve’s epic continuation of Frank Herbert’s sci-fi saga, has been a major player in the 2025 awards season. Having already swept up accolades like the Critics Choice Award for Best Visual Effects and several BAFTAs, including one specifically for Special Visual Effects, the film now sets its sights on the Oscars. But can it repeat the visual effects triumph of its predecessor, Dune: Part One, which took home the coveted statue in 2022?

A Visual Feast for the Eyes

From the sweeping vistas of Arrakis to the intricate details of the Fremen stillsuits, Dune: Part Two is undeniably a visual masterpiece. DNEG, the visual effects house behind the film, has been lauded for its breathtaking work, creating a world that feels both alien and tangible. The VES Awards, often considered a strong predictor of Oscar success in the visual effects category, showered Dune: Part Two with four wins, recognizing the team’s exceptional skill in environment creation, CG cinematography, effects simulations, and compositing and lighting. This recognition, coupled with the BAFTA win for Special Visual Effects, solidifies Dune: Part Two‘s position as a frontrunner for the Oscar.

Stiff Competition on the Horizon

While Dune: Part Two‘s visual achievements are undeniable, the path to Oscar glory is not without obstacles. The Academy Awards are known for their competitive field, and this year is no exception. There are some other visually stunning films vying for the same prize, including Wicked and Alien: Romulus. Each contender brings its unique strengths to the table, making the final decision a challenging one for Academy voters.

Despite the strong contenders, betting site 22bet21.com lists Dune: Part Two’s odds of winning at 1.105/1 or 90.50%, meaning it stands a very strong chance.

Beyond Visual Effects: A Snub or a Strategic Focus?

Interestingly, while Dune: Part Two is a strong contender for Best Visual Effects, its overall Oscar nominations tally is lower than some might expect. This has led to some debate about whether the film has been unfairly overlooked in other categories, such as Costume Design and Makeup and Hairstyling. Some critics argue that the film’s early release date may have contributed to a recency bias among voters. Others suggest that the focus on visual effects might be a strategic move, concentrating the film’s campaign on a category where it has a high probability of winning.

The Legacy of Dune and the Weight of Expectation

Dune: Part Two carries the weight of expectation, not only as a sequel to a visually groundbreaking film but also as an adaptation of a notoriously challenging literary work. Director Denis Villeneuve has been praised for his successful interpretation of Herbert’s complex narrative, and the film’s visual effects play a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. The Academy’s decision will ultimately reflect not only the technical brilliance of the visual effects but also the film’s overall impact and contribution to cinematic storytelling.

While Dune: Part Two is undoubtedly a strong contender for Best Visual Effects, the competition is fierce. The film’s BAFTA and VES Awards wins certainly bolster its chances, but the final decision rests with the Academy voters. On March 2nd, 2025, the world will watch as the envelope is opened, and the winner is revealed.