Earlier this year, Black Panther was met with unanimous critical acclaim and given the cultural impact the movie had, it surely deserves to at least be nominated at next year's Oscars (it was also extremely well-written and gorgeously shot). During an interview to promote Ant-Man and The Wasp, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige was asked about its Oscar chances and he had an interesting response.
Echoing the thoughts of superhero movie fans everywhere, Feige made it clear the genre is every bit as deserving of recognition as any other and that the Academy should give them some consideration.
"Almost everyone involved in that movie, bringing that movie together, is great, and it would be wonderful to see if they’re recognized. We’ll see. This genre, typically not. And I think it would be a wonderful thing for Panther and for our production designer Hannah [Beachler], and our costume designer Ruth [Carter], and for Ryan [Coogler] who co-wrote the script with Joe Robert Cole, and of course directed the movie. And Michael B. Jordan, and Chadwick [Boseman] and Lupita [Nyong’o] and Letitia [Wright].
"I’d love to see this genre recognized. Yes, they’re visual effects, yes, they are fun explosions, yes, there are spaceships. But these are all hand-crafted. Maybe it’s in front of a computer; it’s often actual sets, actual hand-built costumes. As much passion and artistry and talent goes into every single one we do; it’d be amazing for them to be recognized."
Literally everything he's saying here is spot on and seeing as it's been a decade since The Dark Knight was nominated and the rules were "changed", you have to hope that Black Panther gets some love.
We'll find out whether or not that's going to happen next February but don't be surprised if the Marvel movie gets snubbed because the Academy doesn't appear to care about superhero movies whatsoever. What do you guys think? As always, be sure to let us know your thoughts on these remarks below.