A majority of the films that are contending during award season are fall releases. Not all, but a majority. So for films that are in contention with earlier releases, it’s about reminding voters and audiences, as the conversation becomes more crowded, that they should remain in the race. 

 

That’s what happened this weekend in New York at a For Your Consideration screening of Dune: Part 2, with three of its young cast members joining director Denis Villeneuve for the Q&A. 

 

 

Dune: Part 2 is a critical and commercial hit, with over $700 million at the worldwide box office, and it’ll likely be one of the highest grossing films nominated for Best Picture – if it’s nominated for Best Picture. Looking to join Dune: Part 2 in that category is Gladiator 2. Both are sequels, both come with big budgets and a high-profile ensemble cast, both directed by high-profile directors who have never won an Oscar. A new Gladiator 2 trailer is expected to be released today, Sarah will write that post later, but the movie is expected to do major business at the box office in November, during American Thanksgiving. And these are two films that the Academy very much hopes will be part of the Oscar ceremony among the smaller films that will be nominated. Because, of course, more people will have seen them. Also, any excuse they have to get Zendaya there, you know? 

 

For a minute in the spring, there was some talk that Zendaya could be a factor at the Oscars for her performance in Challengers. I’m not sure that held up though since so many of the 90s ladies are stacking the race now and if there is a young(er) candidate among then, momentum seems to be in Mikey Madison’s favour for her performance in Sean Baker’s Anora. But what a testament to Zendaya’s cultural power that she has another project that she could be repping at the Oscars, because Dune: Part 2 definitely has a campaign behind it. 

 

Two is the theme here because Z was in two looks in New York on Saturday night. The Burberry white jacket over the pleated skirt is sickeningly good. And then the green Louis Vuitton off-the-shoulder bubble dress … it’s perfect on her. 

 

 

This is rare for Zendaya because she’s a trendsetter but the bubble skirt/dress thing has been happening now for a while. Zara had a skirt in the spring. Cos has a shirt dress that’s available now. Anthropologie has long skirt that comes in red and pink. That’s just a few – they’re all over the place in store and online. None of them, obviously, are as special as Zendaya’s. But if you’re in the market, it is a really cute look, you have options. 

As for Timothée Chalamet, I want to see what his hair is doing underneath that ballcap because it’s definitely shorter. He and Austin Butler clearly did not bother dressing for the occasion but, then again, why bother if Zendaya is going to be there? I don’t fault them for this. Save your good looks for when people are actually looking at you. 

Timmy, by the way, also has two projects for award season this year. In addition to Dune: Part 2, everyone is anticipating his turn as Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown, due out at Christmas, and most are already predicting an Oscar nomination so he could be returning to the Oscars as the star of two nominated films. So the gossipy question here is… 

How much or how little of Kylie Jenner will be seeing on his campaign? 

 

Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and Austin Butler joined Denis Villeneuve for a Dune Part 2 screening and Q&A in New York.
Photo credits: Backgrid, Instar Images

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