It is no secret that the Academy Awards are the pinnacle of award season, propelling films to an arena of recognition for their achievements in artistry and storytelling. Specific genres, however, have a difficult time breaking through the obstacles that keep them at a distance, which is something Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige sat down to discuss.
Marvel Studios has been a dominant player within the cinematic landscape for years, attracting A-list talent while shattering records across the box office. Yet, many prominent and respected directors like Martin Scorsese have cast a negative shadow upon the studio's films, labeling them as projects that are not be considered "real cinema" and thus undeserving of the recognition that other films have accumulated.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Feige stated, "I think we are always at a deficit because of the Marvel logo and because of a genre bias that certainly exists." Black Panther, directed by Ryan Coogler, shattered the ceiling of exclusion, becoming the first superhero movie to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards. Feige made a note of this, stating, "I just loved that for a shining moment there with Black Panther that was put aside, and the work was recognized for the achievement that it was." What's undeniable are the doors Marvel has opened on a cultural level. For example, the Black Panther presented an Black hero who audiences could resonate with, fueling excitement in Afrcan-American viewers to see a character with their shared identity in a different light. Shang-Chi beats on a similar drum, revealing a story to audiences that many were oblivious to. Feige made mention of this, stating, "There are a lot of comic fans that didn't know who Shang-Chi was. And yet the work that Destin did and Dave did, and Sue did, and Joel did, created something new that connected with audiences."
The cultural impact is essential and should play a role in Shang-Chi's consideration for nominations. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced an inclusion standard for its Best Picture Oscar nominations in 2020. To be considered, films must meet the minimum inclusion and diversity requirements, an assessment Shang-Chi can successfully pass. Not much stands in the way of another Marvel Studios film reaching the pinnacle of nominations, but taking home the prize is another tall order to endure. Best Picture, however, is not the only avenue Shang-Chi can take to earn recognition. Although Black Panther failed to win in the Best Picture category, it prevailed in Costume Design, Original Score, and Production Design. Feige hopes that Shang-Chi receives similar affection for the world they were able to create, stating, "We recognized it, the audience recognized it, and I sure would love the hard work of all of these people who are telling their story to get recognized."
Superhero films are not everyone's cup of tea, but audiences cannot ignore the impact they have. Beneath the vibrant CGI and array of dramatic action sequences lies a story that many audiences relate to and cherish. Dislike for the genre is an opinionated feeling that is welcomed, but it should not deprive these films of deserved appreciation. Feige understands the uphill battle that Marvel Studios films must endure, but to see success gives hope that others may experience a similar feeling. Shang-Chi became the first Asian-led superhero within the MCU and defied the odds of critics who felt the film would not do well. Creators deserve acknowledgment for their feats, no matter the genre they may occur within.
Some argue that Marvel Studios and other superhero films are not "real cinema," which is an understandable perspective that everyone must respect. The opinion feeds off the notion that superhero films thrive off special effects and not characters, which shows weakness within the script and storytelling. No matter the sentiment, the films continue to attract audiences eagerly to the theaters. Biases will always be there, but they should not be the measuring stick to compare one piece of work to another.
Marvel Studios' Spider-Man: No Way Home is now playing in theaters.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter