Kevin Feige on His Oscar Hopes for ‘Black Panther’

Marvel’s Black Panther, without a doubt, is one of the biggest movies of 2018. The film dominated at the box office, shattering records left and right, and earning praise from critics and fans alike. The praise was well-earned as the film is certainly one of Marvel’s best to date, but is it an Oscar-worthy film? Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige definitely thinks so.

In a recent interview with Vox, Feige spoke about Oscar hopes for Black Panther. He said:

[row]“I think there are a lot of amazing artists that helped to make that movie, and it would be wonderful if they could be recognized. 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.”[/row]

Feige is absolutely correct that superhero films are often considered a genre not recognized by the Academy in the major categories. Usually earning nods for visual effects or sound editing, a superhero film is unlikely to be included with the nominations for say, Best Picture. The Dark Knight came awfully close in 2008 but still couldn’t crack its way into the top categories. Perhaps Black Panther can. Feige continues to speak about the film, pointing out that it actually has the “total package” when it comes to filmmaking. He said:

[row]”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].

There’s amazing performances, amazing artistry in that. I’d love to see them recognized, and 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 go into every single one we do; it’d be amazing for them to be recognized.”[/row]

It certainly would be amazing for a superhero film to gain Academy recognition to match the box office numbers. What do you think about Black Panther‘s chances? Do you think the film is Oscar nom-worthy? What other superhero films do you think should earn Best Picture nominations? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.