Zendaya to Vie for Best Actress in ‘Dune: Part Three’ Oscar Push

WHO:

Variety - Zendaya is described as “Dune’s” leading lady.

Variety - Zendaya plays Chani in “Dune: Part Three.”

Variety - Denis Villeneuve is the director of the sci-fi epic.

WHAT:

Variety - Zendaya will campaign for Oscar consideration in the lead actress category for her role as Chani in “Dune: Part Three.”

Variety - The lead-actress campaign marks a shift from the first two films, in which Zendaya was positioned in the supporting actress category.

Coming Soon - Zendaya could compete for an Oscar in a different acting category for “Dune: Part Three.”

WHY:

Variety - The category change is connected to Zendaya’s role as Chani in the final chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi epic.

(UPDATED October 23, 2026 23:20 UTC)

Zendaya is set to seek Oscar consideration in the lead actress category for her performance as Chani in “Dune: Part Three.” The campaign marks a change from the first two films, when she was positioned in the supporting actress category. Chani’s role in the final chapter of Denis Villeneuve’s science-fiction epic is behind the shift. Villeneuve directs the film, which brings the “Dune” story to its conclusion. Zendaya, known as the film’s leading lady, could therefore compete for an Oscar in a different acting category this time. The move puts her performance forward as a leading role, rather than a supporting one, in the franchise’s latest installment. It also makes her campaign distinct from her earlier Oscar-category positioning in the series.