Zendaya Will Campaign for Best Actress for Dune: Part Three

Zendaya is stepping into the biggest race of awards season. The actor will campaign for Oscar consideration in the Best Actress category for her performance as Chani in Dune: Part Three, according to a report published Thursday by Variety.

The move is a change from the first two Dune films, when she was positioned in the supporting actress race. Variety cited multiple sources for the news. Warner Bros. and representatives for Zendaya declined to comment to the outlet.

For a star who has spent years in the supporting race for this franchise, it is a notable change in strategy and one that will shape conversation about the lead actress field in the weeks ahead.

A Bigger Role for Chani

The decision reflects how much Chani's story grows in the final chapter of Denis Villeneuve's science fiction saga. According to Variety, Dune: Part Three is set nearly two decades after Paul Atreides, played by Timothée Chalamet, seized control of the Imperium.

Paul is now a ruthless emperor who must face the consequences of his reign as old allies return and new threats emerge. The story pulls him into a sweeping conspiracy, and Chani sits at the heart of its unfolding mystery.

The film's cast also includes Jason Momoa, Florence Pugh, Rebecca Ferguson, Anya Taylor-Joy, Robert Pattinson, Javier Bardem, Josh Brolin, Charlotte Rampling and Isaach de Bankolé. Warner Bros. will release the film in theaters and Imax on Dec. 18.

A Year Full of Contenders

Dune: Part Three caps what Variety calls a stellar year for the 30 year old star, who could be in contention in several categories for different films this season.

She opened 2026 in The Drama, a romantic dark comedy from writer and director Kristoffer Borgli, playing literary editor Emma Harwood opposite Robert Pattinson. That performance will also be submitted in the lead actress category, according to Variety.

She then played Athena in Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which Variety describes as a billion dollar mythological adaptation. For that role she will seek supporting actress recognition, alongside co-stars Anne Hathaway, Samantha Morton and Charlize Theron.

She also returned as MJ in Destin Daniel Cretton's Spider-Man: Brand New Day, another billion dollar hit that Variety reports now ranks among the highest grossing films of all time.

Chasing a First Oscar Nomination

For all her success on screen, Zendaya has never been nominated for an Academy Award. A nomination this season would be her first.

Her awards history on television is already strong. She won two Emmys for playing Rue in the HBO Max drama Euphoria, becoming the youngest two time winner in the lead drama actress category. She also won a Golden Globe in 2023 for the same role.

In 2025 she earned two Golden Globe nominations connected to Luca Guadagnino's tennis romance Challengers, one for lead actress in a comedy and another as a producer when the film was nominated for best picture, musical or comedy.

What the Shift Means

Moving to the lead category is a bold strategy. Best Actress is often one of the most crowded races of the season, and campaigning there with two films in the same category means voters will be weighing both The Drama and Dune: Part Three.

At the same time, a lead campaign signals confidence from the film's backers in how central Chani is to the final chapter. With Dune: Part Three arriving in mid December, the performance will reach audiences and voters in the closing stretch of the year.

Eyes on December

The coming weeks will show how voters respond once the film opens on Dec. 18. For now, Zendaya enters awards season with several strong performances behind her and a clear goal ahead: a first Oscar nomination.

Hollywood Magazine will keep following the race as the season unfolds. Tell us whether you think Chani belongs in the Best Actress conversation.