A method for forming a metal interconnect structure over a high topography dielectric is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: depositing a conductive layer over the high topography dielectric layer; depositing a planarized oxide layer over the conducting layer, patterning and etching the planarized oxide layer in accordance with a desired metal interconnect pattern using the conducting layer as an etching stop; using the planarized oxide layer as a hard mask, etching the conducting layer in accordance with the desired metal interconnect pattern imparted onto the planarized oxide layer; and depositing a gap-filling oxide layer over the planarized oxide layer and the high topography dielectric layer.