'Dune: Part 3' Makes Zendaya a Top Contender for the 2027 Oscars

According to Variety, Zendaya will be nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category for her role as Chani in Dune: Part 3, the final chapter of Denis Villeneuve's trilogy. This represents a change from the first two films, in which the actress was positioned as a supporting actress.

The decision reflects Chani's expanded role in the plot. The film takes place almost two decades after Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) assumes control of the Empire.

Zendaya still has the possibility of competing for The Drama, a film she stars in alongside Robert Pattinson, and also for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. In other words, the actress has a great chance of appearing during awards season.

Everything you need to know about Dune: Part 3

After adapting the massive book Dune by Frank Herbert, director Denis Villeneuve is now adapting the second book in the saga, Dune Messiah, into Dune: Part Three. Set years after Paul Atreides' (Timothée Chalamet) victory over the Harkonnens, the film will show the character now as Emperor of the galaxy, facing assassination attempts and dealing with the blood he spilled to get there. To make matters worse, his beloved Chani (Zendaya) goes through a high-risk pregnancy.

Also joining the film's cast are Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides, Paul's sister, Robert Pattinson as the hermaphrodite assassin Scytale, and returning from Dune: Part Two, Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan and Rebecca Ferguson as Lady Jessica. Jason Momoa, who played Duncan Idaho in the first Dune, returns in a mysterious role.

Dune: Part 3 opens in theaters on December 18, the same day as Avengers: Doomsday.