  We compute 2-loop QCD corrections to the hard coefficient functions which
arise in the factorization formula for B -> X_u l nu decays in the
shape-function region. Our calculation provides the last missing piece required
for a NNLO analysis of inclusive semileptonic B decays, which may significantly
reduce the theoretical uncertainty in the extraction of the CKM matrix element
|V_ub|. Among the technical aspects, we find that the 2-loop hard coefficient
functions are free of infrared singularities as predicted by the factorization
framework. We perform a brief numerical analysis of the NNLO corrections and
include a discussion on charm mass effects.
