Black Panther is, in every sense of the word, a massive triumph for Marvel Studios. It’s been blessed with an overwhelmingly positive response from both critics and fans and it’s even topped Avengers: Infinity War in terms of domestic gross, with nearly $700 million on this side of the pond.
Sure, part of the pic’s success is because it’s an entertaining and crowd-pleasing addition to an already beloved franchise, but it’s also, so far, the only film out of the current superhero trend with a black lead and cast, and it really gets to grips with the themes of black identity. Alongside its talk of vibranium and heart-shaped herbs, it sensitively explores race relations in America, and the effects of colonialism.
Black Panther has remained in the conversation because it’s a fresh and unique voice within the current crop of caped crusaders, and now, with all the success it’s been seeing, many are starting to wonder what its chances at some Oscar gold may be. Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige is certainly remaining hopeful, even if he realizes that the genre tends to get overlooked.
Speaking with Vox, the super producer heaped praise on Black Panther‘s cast and crew, saying that he’s hoping they’ll be recognized come awards season.
“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.
For Black Panther, the sky’s the limit, really. It’s no secret that Academy voters tend to overlook mass-market popcorn movies – with the exception of Heath Ledger’s posthumous win for Best Supporting Actor – but Ryan Coogler’s epic might just be the one to rewrite the rulebook and prove that, yes, comic book movies can be just as competent and provocative as their cinematic peers.
Arise, T’Challa, king of the 2019 Oscars? It’s certainly not outside the realm of possibility, as Black Panther has been hailed as a true game-changer since its release back in February, and like Feige, we’re hopeful that the Academy recognizes that.
