The Oscars, unlike any other award shows, claim to be the most defining night for Hollywood annually. And every precursor event to the Academy Awards feels like a subtle inauguration of the winners to come. However, as the stars and creators etch their names on that golden trophy, or at least, give air to their dreams of clinching one home, a surprise winner stole the night, Dune: Part Two, but with a major Academy catch. Spoiler alert: it is not because of the glittery trophies.

Despite leaving fans at a boiling point, Conan O’Brien’s stage performance of ‘I Won’t Waste Time’ arrived with a special Dune-approved reference, the Sandworm. But Sandworm returned once more because, as O’Brien says, “When you spend that much on a bit, you gotta do it twice.” The second arrival, better than the last, saw Sandworm from Dune: Part Two playing the harp at the Oscars 2025. And no matter who wins tonight, one victor is clear, and it is indeed Dune: Part Two.

The first appearance from Sandworm played chopsticks on a grand piano, and the succeeding one was melodies with the symphony of a harp. Given the Oscars has always been a spectacle for history, these back-to-back Dune references with a dash of goof, undeniably became the Oscar highlight of the night. While the Oscars are shaped by its winners, Sandworm stands as an uncontested champion.

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That said, did Dune: Part Two bag home any Oscars tonight?

Like a full circle moment, Dune’s sequel, Dune: Part Two, was thrust into the Academy’s spotlight once again with five total nominations for this year’s Dolby outing. The film was nominated for Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, Best Cinematography, and Best Picture. Dune: Part Two won Oscars for Best Sound and Best Visual Effects categories at the 97th annual Academy Awards.

In contrast, the first part bagged 10 nominations, resulting in 6 Academy Awards victories. Although the star of the show, Timothée Chalamet, was also vouching for A Complete Unknown, the anticipation ultimately resulted in a heartbreak. While disappointments have always been part of the bigger picture, Dune: Part Two was a winner in more ways than one as the Oscar night is not only reminiscent of milestones but remembrance like the one Sandworm brought twice to the party.

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What do you think of Sandworm's twice the show-stopping appearance at the Oscars 2025? Let us know in the comments below!