Black Panther remains the highest grossing domestic release of 2018, and while that sounds impressive, it is even more significant when you consider that
Infinity War was also released this year. This is among the many attributes that prove its status as a phenomenon. The film, which was hailed as revolutionary at the time of release, has kept steady momentum over the past few months, with audiences still talking about its influence and significants half a year after.
Coming as a surprise to no one, Marvel will be making a huge effort to gain a Best Picture nomination. And though its political and cultural merits alone may persuade voters, it is its identity as a superhero film that may hold them back. Thankfully, Marvel has hired Oscar strategist Cynthia Swartz to persuade the Academy, and other guilds of importance as voting approaches. They will be aiming big, campaigning for Best Picture rather than Best 'Popular Film.' In addition to its impact, the campaign will also push director Ryan Coogler's passion for the material, as Feige himself said:
I would like to see the hard work and the effort and the vision and the belief of the talented filmmaker Ryan Coogler, who sat across the table from us a few years ago and said, ‘I have been wrestling with questions about my past and my heritage and I think I really want to tell a story within this movie. And that he did it so unbelievably well and with so much impact… seeing that potentially being recognized is what excites me the most.
Behind the scenes Disney hopes Marvel's intentions come through.
"[Academy Executive] Dawn Hudson would crawl in a hole if Black Panther gets snubbed for Best Picture and winds up landing in the popular film category." Furthermore, there has been growing remorse over the category among the Academy. It is possible that its existance may be scrapped altogether.
Do you think the phenomenon will be nominated for Best Picture?
About The Author:
I'm that one guy you get annoyed with because he talks about movies too much, but I'm also the one guy you love to talk movies with.
Follow Dragonsfoe on:
