Tanya Lapointe Prepares for Oscars Glory With “Dune” Nominations

Montreal, Canada – Canadian film producer Tanya Lapointe is set to step into the limelight during the 2025 Academy Awards, celebrating the nominations of her latest project, “Dune: Part Two,” which has received five Oscar nods, including Best Picture.

Reflecting on her journey, Lapointe recalls, “The Oscars is a fantasy I had growing up that I never shared with anyone… I’m still pinching myself, as it’s a bit surreal,” as she prepares for the prestigious ceremony this Sunday.

Over the last decade, Lapointe and director Denis Villeneuve have transformed the science fiction genre, presenting epic films like “Arrival” and the first part of “Dune” that captivate audiences around the globe. Their collaborations have not only redefined possibilities within the genre but have also set new standards within high-budget film production.

In her capacity as producer, Lapointe has navigated the complexities of turning ambitious creative visions into reality. “It’s about figuring out the building blocks of how to tell a story while not compromising on the artistry and emotion,” she said.

Lapointe’s path to filmmaking began as an arts journalist with CBC/Radio-Canada, where she spent over 15 years interviewing filmmakers and immersing herself in the creative processes of the film industry. Her relationship with Villeneuve became a turning point, prompting her transition from journalism to film production.

Initially joining Villeneuve as an assistant during post-production on “Arrival,” Lapointe quickly assumed greater responsibilities as she became entrenched in the production world. Villeneuve noted, “I felt like Tanya would be overqualified for the job… she quickly gained the respect and trust of everyone on the team. Seeing her evolve brought a unique joy to my heart.”

By the time of the first “Dune” film, Lapointe was credited as an executive producer, and her role expanded for the sequel, earning her the coveted Producers Guild of America (“p.g.a.”) designation. “I had a bit of imposter’s syndrome… but getting the mark was not only a title on paper, but recognition from my peers,” she acknowledged.

While the Oscars have sparked discussions about couples working together in Hollywood, Lapointe and Villeneuve’s collaborative nature showcases a dynamic partnership bolstered by mutual respect and artistic synergy. They are among several husband-and-wife teams competing for recognition this year, including others like director Sean Baker and producer Samantha Quan.

This Oscar season has been particularly meaningful for them as they advocate for the Canadian film industry; not only do they maintain strong ties to their Montreal roots, but Villeneuve has also made efforts to promote local cinema by supporting independent theaters like Cinéma du Parc.

As rumors circulate about a potential third “Dune” film, Lapointe is optimistic. “There is a love for this world… the excitement to continue the journey of Paul Atreides is palpable,” she said, leaving fans eager to see where the franchise will lead next.

In an industry fraught with challenges, Lapointe remains a beacon of hope for Canadian filmmakers, emphasizing the importance of telling their stories and celebrating their cinematic achievements. ‘We need to keep telling our stories, and the more we screen and celebrate films, the more justified we’ll be in financing them,’ she stated.