Abu Dhabi Film Commission praises 'Dune' team on Oscar nominations 2022

The film was partially shot in the UAE capital and in Jordan over the summer of 2019

Sci-fi epic Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has been nominated for 10 Oscars at this year’s awards, including Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography.

The film, which stars Timothee Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, Oscar Isaac and Zendaya, was shot in the Liwa desert in the summer of 2019. The vast open landscape was used as the setting for the planet Arrakis – a dangerous place known for its exclusive supply of Spice, the most essential and valuable commodity in the universe.

On hearing the news that Dune – adapted from Frank Herbert's book series of the same name – had been nominated for 10 Academy Awards, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission congratulated its cast and crew, and wished them luck and success at the ceremony, which will be held on March 27.

“Ever since Denis Villeneuve first visited Abu Dhabi looking for a location for the planet Arrakis, it was clear that the emirate’s breathtaking desert landscapes were the perfect backdrop for his adaptation of Dune,” said Hans Fraikin, Abu Dhabi Film Commissioner.

“The scenes shot in the stunning Liwa desert bring to life the adventure, mystery and romance of this legendary sci-fi tale, taking on a unique character that simply couldn’t have been created anywhere else in the world. We always knew that this film would be a spectacular piece of cinematography, and its critical and commercial success have shown it was even more impressive than we imagined.

“Abu Dhabi has played host to a growing slate of fantastic, award-winning films and we are very proud of Dune’s well-deserved nominations for 10 categories including Best Picture. I wish everyone involved the best of luck at the Academy Awards in March.”

In light of Dune's success, it was confirmed in October that a sequel is in the works. Warner Bros Pictures Group chairman Toby Emmerich announced that the studio will release Dune: Part Two in October 2023.

The Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, on March 27