Zendaya to campaign for Best Actress for Dune: Part Three

Zendaya is expected to campaign for Best Actress consideration for her role as Chani in Dune: Part Three, a reported shift from the supporting-actress category used for the first two films. The campaign plan has not been publicly confirmed by the actor or Warner Bros. The report, attributed to multiple unnamed sources, says Zendaya will seek lead-actress recognition for the third installment in Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction series. Warner Bros. and Zendaya’s representatives declined to comment, according to one account. The information traces back to a single reporting origin, rather than separate independent confirmations. The category change marks a different approach from the earlier films, in which Zendaya was positioned for supporting-actress consideration. The reported shift accompanies a larger role for Chani in the new story, which centers on the consequences of Paul Atreides’ rule after he takes control of the Imperium. The film is described as placing Chani at the heart of a mystery unfolding around Paul. Dune: Part Three is scheduled to open in theaters on December 18, 2026. Its release comes after the general deadline for Oscar submissions, making the category...