Josh Brolin echoes many fans on the internet and calls out the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for snubbing Dune director Denis Villeneuve. Going into 2021, one of the biggest question marks for movie fans was Villeneuve's Dune. As the latest adaptation of Frank Herbert's seemingly-unadaptable book, there was some apprehension over whether the Arrival and Blade Runner 2049 director could pull it off. Dune debuted in theaters and on HBO Max in October, telling the story of chosen one Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) as his noble family assumes control of the valuable desert planet of Arrakis.
Audiences' concerns proved to be unfounded, as Dune won over both critics and fans alike with its stunning visuals, respect for the source material, and largely practical approach to Paul's world. Hailed by many as one of the best movies of the year, Dune was also something of a financial success even with the streaming release, earning $399.4 million worldwide. The sci-fi epic is still churning out triumphs, as this week it earned an impressive 10 Oscar nominations, including one for best picture. Shockingly, though, despite Villeneuve being nominated as one of the screenplay writers, he missed out on being recognized as a director.
One of Dune's stars is taking issue with Villeneuve's snub. Josh Brolin, who plays weapons master Gurney Halleck, posted a video on social media that starts out on a positive note. He begins by congratulating all involved with Dune for the 10 nominations, but then takes on a very different tone when he gets to Villeneuve. A snippet of what he said can be read below, followed by his full post.
"And the unbelievable, almost numbing, flummoxing I feel for Denis Villeneuve not being nominated for best director. It's just one of those things that you just go, 'Huh? What?' I don't know how you get 10 nominations, and then the guy who's 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."
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Every awards ceremony brings surprises and snubs, and the 2022 Oscar nominations were no different. There are always worthy contenders who are overlooked, much to the disappointment of their peers and fans. However, in this case, there is little question that Villeneuve not being recognized for best director is perhaps the most shocking snub of the year. As Brolin pointed out, Dune wouldn't have been possible without Villeneuve's vision. Anyone who has heard the director talk about Dune within the past few years knows how much of a passion project this was for him, and so to not have his hard work honored in this way is a hard pill to swallow.
Some have already begun to remark that the Academy can make it up to Villeneuve by crowning Dune best picture, much as it did with Argo and Ben Affleck in 2013. Regardless of whether that happens, Villeneuve stands another chance of being nominated with the 2023 sequel Dune: Part 2. It might be too early to start speculating about the Oscars of two years from now, but it is comforting to consider he still might get the recognition he deserves.
Source: Josh Brolin/Instagram
