‘Dune: Part Three' Holds First Screenings, and Early Word is “Very Positive”

After this weekend, when “Artificial” and “Behemoth!” screen at NYFF, there won’t be many Oscar contenders left unseen. In fact, by my count, there are just two: David Fincher’s ‘Cliff Booth,’ which Netflix doesn’t seem to be prioritizing as a contender, and, of course, Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Part Three.”

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that Villeneuve’s film had been screened internally at Warner Bros. and that it’s apparently “extraordinary.” I know, my source is connected to Warner Bros., but you know what? I believe them.

As I wrote in our newly launched newsletter, I’ve heard nothing but great things about Villeneuve’s final chapter, a very rough 3+ hour cut of which was shown back in August. My source tells me the room was “blown away” by what they saw.

Now, Variety’s Clayton Davis, one of the more interesting awards pundits out there, is confirming that ‘Dune 3’ held its “first intimate, small-group screenings” this past week, and early word has been “very positive.” Emphasis on the bolded part.

There's good reason to buy into the hype. The trailers so far have been seriously impressive, and Jeff Sneider, who has heard about the internal buzz surrounding "Dune: Part Three," believes the Best Picture race will come down to two films: "The Odyssey" and "Dune: Part Three." It's shaping up to be a true clash of the titans.

Villeneuve has been nominated for Best Director only once, for 2016's "Arrival," and was snubbed for both "Dune" movies despite their Best Picture nods. If "Dune: Part Three," out December 18, is as good as I'm hearing, his time is now.

Furthermore, Jason Momoa, who returns as Duncan Idaho, has kick-started buzz for Timothée Chalamet's performance in the film. Last year, Chalamet's bombastic "Marty Supreme" campaign turned off so many voters that he went from frontrunner to losing Best Actor to Michael B. Jordan. So are we ready for another wild awards season with him? You'd better believe it.

Wait until you see him in Dune 3. "Maybe some of the best stuff I've seen anyone do – ever. I'm serious. Tape this interview, write this shit down, I don't give a f*ck.

Right now, the film to beat at next year’s Oscars is Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” There aren’t many “locks” for a Best Picture nomination; I’m thinking “La Bola Negra” and “Project Hail Mary.” Right behind them, but still not locked, are “Obsession,” “The Invite,” “The Debut,” “Wild Horse Nine,” and “I Play Rocky.” That said, Villeneuve and Chalamet would surely like to have a word with all of them.