Black Panther was nominated for an impressive seven awards at this year's Academy Awards, including "Best Picture." Now, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige has weighed in the news and it seems as if just one word comes to mind for him: "pride."
"The word that keep coming to me from the moment it happened is just this humbling sense of pride for everyone involved in the movie," the producer explained. "It’s the most important recognition that a film can receive in our industry. That’s not lost on any of us. It’s something that’s immensely gratifying."
"As the numerous phone calls and text messages [show] that went back and forth between all of us who were lucky enough to work on the film, it is just … pride," he continued. "I think Blank Panther is a unique movie told by a unique filmmaker in a unique time."
"It comes down to this amazing cast and crew, and a brilliant director who had something to say. He had a very personal story and struggle to explore, and he wanted to use this movie and this canvas to tell it. Looking over the past year at the cultural impact this movie has had around the world, it feels like the recognition from the Academy this morning is the pinnacle of that."
As for why he reckons the filmmaking community has decided to reward Black Panther with a nomination, he said he believes that members of the Academy have responded to "the message of Black Panther, and not just the message within the thematics of the film, but even the story of how the film was made, how it came together, and how it was received."
"It’s about representation, and it’s about inclusion, and it’s about the importance of telling different types of stories. That the Academy recognized that this morning is extremely gratifying to all of us."
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Before you get too excited about Spider-Man and Black Panther returning, you'll notice that their appearances here are inspired by past movies. Thor and Cap, however, are decked out in new suits.