Josh Brolin criticizes Academy over 'Dune: Part Two' director's Oscar snub: 'Makes no sense'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Josh Brolin has expressed frustration after the Academy Awards overlooked Denis Villeneuve, director of 'Dune: Part Two', in the 2025 Oscar nominations.
The film received multiple nominations, including Best Picture, but Villeneuve was left out of the Best Director category for the second time.
Josh Brolin says 'I’m going to quit acting'
Josh Brolin, 56, took to Instagram to voice his disappointment, reiterating his long-standing support for Denis Villeneuve’s work.
Brolin congratulated the team behind 'Dune: Part Two' for their nominations in categories like Best Picture, Cinematography, Production Design, and Visual Effects.
“Just want to say congratulations to the 'Dune' best picture nomination, to Greig Fraser for cinematography, for best visual effects, special effects, for Patrice [Vermette] for production design, and for sound, I believe," he wrote on Instagram, New York Post reported.
However, Brolin didn’t hold back his criticism of Villeneuve’s omission, saying, “Apparently, I’m 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, Denis Villeneuve, you deserve it. It’s an amazing film. I think it was even better than the first one," he said.
Josh Brolin previously threatened to 'quit acting' over second snub for Denis Villeneuve
Josh Brolin also acknowledged the achievements of those who were recognized. “The people who have gotten accolades surely deserve it. Happy to be a part of it. Congrats everyone,” he said.
Brolin, who portrayed Gurney Halleck in both 'Dune' films, has been vocal in his support of Denis Villeneuve. In an earlier interview with Variety, Brolin made his stance clear.
“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," he stated.
"It’s masterful, and Denis is one of our master filmmakers. If the Academy Awards have any meaning whatsoever, they’ll recognize him," he added.
Chris Miller says Denis Villeneuve was 'masterful'
The Academy’s decision to overlook Denis Villeneuve led to disappointment among many in the industry.
Chris Miller, producer of 'Spider-Verse', shared his thoughts on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “There were many films that had great directing this year but what Denis did — in all aspects of the craft — was masterful.”
There were many films that had great directing this year but what Denis did — in all aspects of the craft — was masterful
— Christopher Miller (@chrizmillr) January 23, 2025
While 'Dune: Part Two' secured a Best Picture nomination alongside titles like 'The Brutalist', 'Wicked', and 'Nickel Boys', the Best Director nods went to Sean Baker ('Anora'), Brady Corbet ('The Brutalist'), James Mangold ('A Complete Unknown'), Jacques Audiard ('Emilia Perez'), and Coralie Fargeat ('The Substance').
A third film in the 'Dune' franchise, based on Frank Herbert’s novel Dune Messiah, is reportedly in development.
