DUNE: PART THREE (2026): Zendaya Will Campaign For a Best Actress Nomination for a Science Fiction Epic Conclusion Film

Zendaya to Run Against Oscar Hopefuls Such as Julianne Moore

In a surprising turn of events, it has been revealed that Zendaya will be positioned to run for Best Actress for her work in the upcoming epic movie, Dune: Part Three.

In a year with a solid front-runner for Best Actress already set in motion, it is only fitting that the new Dune picture would come along and add some fuel to the fire with Warner Bros. said to be placing the terrific Zendaya as a competitor in the lead actress category for 2026.

Yes, Dune: Part Three is one of the most anticipated movies of the year, and all eyes will be on Zendaya’s work in it. While it’s true that Julianne Moore is getting raves for her stellar work in The Debut, there’s nothing like a good competition to keep things interesting. Zendaya is long overdue for a nomination, having been snubbed for her lead turn in the exciting tennis movie, Challengers. Now is as good a time as any to at least recognize the talented actress with a nomination.

Zendaya first significantly arrived into the movie spotlight with a supporting turn opposite Hugh Jackman in an audience favorite, The Greatest Showman. From there, Spider-Man movies helped solidify her as a box-office draw with the last movie in the superhero franchise scoring enough cash to officially be deemed the biggest movie of all-time. Zendaya also appeared in a huge winner this year (The Odyssey) and something of a loser (The Drama), although many people respected her turn in the latter film, for which she is also being campaigned for Best Actress by that film’ studio, A24.

Dune: Part Three will be the first Dune movie for which Zendaya will be pushed in the leading actress category. She had previously been positioned by the film’s studio for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in the other two science fiction pictures. This latest Dune film has great complexity, thanks to a very detailed, layered plot, and since Zendaya was fantastic in the last movie, could her character’s arc be leading up to one of the great film performances of 2026 or, better yet, of all-time?

Besides Julianne Moore, relative newcomer, Inde Navarrette, is also eyeing an Oscar nomination for Obsession. That makes three performances all hoping to get into the competitive Best Actress category. Throw in Sandra Hüller for her great work in Rose and we’re starting to look like we have a very serious competition ahead with one wild card spot still up for grabs.

Right now, until people see Dune: Part Three, this is Julianne Moore’s Oscar to win, although anything can happen between now and Oscar nomination time. Dune: Part Three will complete the epic Dune film saga and audiences can’t be more excited to see Zendaya’s work in it.

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