Superhero movies and the Oscars: A tale of snubs and surprises

The challenge of superhero films in the Oscar race

Superhero movies have long been a cash cow for studios, generating billions at the box office. Yet, despite their financial success, these films often struggle to gain recognition as serious art forms worthy of Oscar attention. Whether it’s the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the newly re-imagined DC Studios, convincing Academy voters to take films featuring iconic characters like Batman, Superman, or Iron Man as seriously as a World War II epic remains a daunting task. However, this doesn’t mean there haven’t been worthy films and performances that deserved a spot on the “snubs and surprises” lists throughout cinema history.

Marvel’s journey to Oscar recognition

Marvel Studios has made significant strides in the awards arena, securing 27 Oscar nominations across its global box-office hits, starting with Jon Favreau’s Iron Man (2008). Of these nominations, Marvel has won four Oscars: costume design (Ruth E. Carter), production design (Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart), and original score (Ludwig Göransson) for Black Panther (2018), and costume design (Carter) for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022). Notably, Carter is the only Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category. Directed by Ryan Coogler, “Black Panther” was the first superhero movie to be nominated for Best Picture, followed by Todd Phillips’s Joker (2019) in the subsequent awards season.

DC’s legacy in the Oscars

Before the current iteration of DC Studios, led by James Gunn and Peter Safran, the DC Extended Universe began with Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel (2013). Warner Bros. has released multiple adaptations from DC Comics, starting with Richard Donner’s classic Superman (1978) starring Christopher Reeve. Collectively, films based on DC Comics have garnered 30 Oscar nominations, winning six: art direction (Anton Furst and Peter Young) for Batman (1989), supporting actor (Heath Ledger) and sound effects editing for The Dark Knight (2008), makeup and hairstyling for Suicide Squad (2016), and actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and original score (Hildur Guðnadóttir) for “Joker” (2019).

The latest contender: Deadpool & Wolverine

Shawn Levy’s Deadpool & Wolverine has received exceptionally high audience reception, but critics’ reviews, currently at 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, are the lowest of its three predecessors. Regarding the Oscar race, the Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman-starring vehicle might be in the discussion for some artisan categories, particularly for visual effects and sound. The Golden Globes might also recognize it in their comedy categories, especially since they acknowledged the inaugural entry with nominations for Best Picture and Best Actor (Reynolds).

Notable Oscar snubs in superhero cinema

The Lego Batman Movie (Animated Feature)

Director Chris McKay, along with producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, crafted one of the funniest entries in the franchise with the Lego spin-off film featuring Will Arnett as the Caped Crusader. Despite its brilliance, it failed to garner any Oscar recognition in the animated feature category. Nonetheless, the film stands out for its memorable action sequences and Michael Cera’s hilarious yet heartfelt portrayal of Robin, the trusty sidekick.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (Cinematography)

Fighting for love is no easy feat, especially when you’re up against the seven ex-lovers of your dream girl. Edgar Wright’s brilliant adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel seamlessly blends action and comedy, enhanced by stunning visuals and breathtaking action sequences shot by the criminally underappreciated cinematographer Bill Pope. Known for his work on The Matrix (1999), Spider-Man 2 (2004), and The Jungle Book (2016), Pope’s craftsmanship shines through. Come for the fun performances by Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin and stay for the exhilarating adrenaline rush from start to finish.

Mark Hamill — Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (Supporting Actor)

A movie that has become a classic as time has progressed, the animated Batman movie that was released on Christmas Day in 1993 was lost in the dust of The Lion King and The Nightmare Before Christmas released that year. Nonetheless, thanks to the power of physical media (in this case, VHS tapes), the once-deemed box office flop has found a legion of admirers, especially for the voice performance of Mark Hamill as the villainous Joker. The turn goes down as one of the more iconic villainous performances and has found appreciation in the decades since.

Batman Begins (Adapted Screenplay)

What I deem the best-written entry of “The Dark Knight” trilogy, the inaugural entry, penned by director Christopher Nolan and his brother Jonathan, delivers a finely tuned and well-constructed origin story that is full of dramatic heft and memorable villains such as Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow and Liam Neeson as Ra’s al Ghul.

Blade (Film Editing)

I can’t deny that a recent cameo inspired me to remind cinephiles everywhere of the sheer brilliance of the 1998 vampire action flick Blade, starring the indomitable Wesley Snipes. Exceptional in just about every way, with its meticulously choreographed action sequences, expertly edited by two-time Oscar nominee Paul Rubell (“The Insider” and “Collateral”). The film’s longevity and success owe much to Rubell’s skillful cuts. We need more superhero movies like “Blade”— or at least the long-awaited “Blade” entry into the MCU (maybe one day?).

Avengers: Infinity War (Original Score)

The epic culmination of a decade-long journey, Avengers: Infinity War, brought together an ensemble cast and a storyline that had fans on the edge of their seats. Alan Silvestri’s original score, which masterfully captured the film’s emotional highs and lows, was a standout element that deserved more recognition.

Honorable mentions

• Makeup: Darkman (1990)
• Visual Effects: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022)
• Visual Effects: The Rocketeer (1991)
• Original Score: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
• Visual Effects: Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
• Visual Effects: Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

Superhero movies have come a long way in gaining critical acclaim and industry recognition. While they may still face challenges in being taken as seriously as traditional Oscar fare, their impact on cinema and popular culture is undeniable. As the genre continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see which future films break through the Oscar barrier and earn the accolades they deserve.# Unforgettable Oscar snubs: A deep dive into overlooked cinematic gems

The power of music in ‘Avengers: Infinity War’

Two-time Oscar-nominated composer Alan Silvestri, known for his work on Forrest Gump and The Polar Express, crafted a masterful score for Avengers: Infinity War. The auditory experience reaches its peak during the final battle sequence, where the track “Get That Arm/I Feel You” heightens suspense, excitement, and ultimately grief, as our favorite superheroes desperately try to keep the last infinity stone out of Thanos’ glove. Despite its brilliance, the score was overshadowed by Black Panther‘s soundtrack, composed by Ludwig Göransson, which ultimately took home the Oscar. The competition was fierce, and only one superhero score could make the final cut.

The artistry of costume design in ‘Wonder Woman’

Costume designer Lindy Hemming, who has worked on a variety of genres from British comedies like Four Weddings and a Funeral to fantasies such as Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, brought the women warriors of Themyscira and Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, to life. Despite the film’s record-breaking box office success and strong critical reviews, it was shut out of all categories, leaving Hemming without a second Oscar nomination. Her work on Wonder Woman was a testament to her versatility and skill, making the snub all the more surprising.

The makeup magic of ‘Deadpool’

Deadpool was a box office juggernaut in 2016, and when it made the initial shortlist for best makeup and hairstyling, fans were hopeful it would receive Oscar recognition. However, the Academy favored Suicide Squad, leaving the R-rated 20th Century Fox movie out in the cold. Ryan Reynolds, the actor and producer, took the snub in stride, humorously commenting on the situation. The makeup and hairstyling in Deadpool were integral to its unique aesthetic and character design, making its exclusion a notable oversight.

Visual effects in ‘X-Men’: A teenage dream unfulfilled

On July 14, 2000, my friends and I eagerly anticipated the live-action feature of our favorite cartoon, X-Men. The film, starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, was a groundbreaking blend of minimal CGI and practical effects. As a teenager, I expected the film to receive multiple Oscar nominations, particularly for visual effects. However, the VFX team of Michael L. Fink, Michael J. McAlister, David Prescott, and Theresa Ellis Rygiel were overlooked. This left many young fans, including myself, pondering why the Academy chose to ignore such impressive work.

The Russo brothers’ visual triumph in ‘Captain America: Civil War’

Anthony and Joe Russo significantly elevated the visual standards of the MCU with Captain America: Civil War. The film’s meticulously crafted action sequences, such as the memorable airport scene, showcased a seamless blend of practical and visual effects. Despite this, the Academy favored the visuals of Doctor Strange over the innovative work of the Russo brothers and their VFX team. The exclusion of Civil War from the visual effects category was a puzzling decision, given its technical achievements.

‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’: A missed opportunity for best picture

Sony’s animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse introduced the world to the Afro-Latino hero Miles Morales, voiced by Shameik Moore. The film won the Oscar for best animated feature but was overlooked for best picture. Its bold originality and innovative animation deserved recognition alongside the year’s top films. The animation medium continues to be undervalued, and Hollywood must change its perspective on this vital art form.

The groundbreaking makeup of ‘Robocop’

Director Paul Verhoeven’s Robocop featured groundbreaking makeup work by Carla Palmer. Despite receiving a Special Achievement Oscar for sound editing and nominations for sound mixing and film editing, the film’s makeup was overlooked. In a year when the makeup branch nominated only two films, Robocop‘s over-the-top violence and copious blood squibs were more than worthy of consideration.

Michael B. Jordan’s compelling performance in ‘Black Panther’

Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of Erik Killmonger in Black Panther was a significant reason for the film’s critical acclaim. His performance added depth and nuance to the character, elevating the film beyond typical superhero fare. The omission of Jordan from the supporting actor lineup was one of the most egregious snubs of the decade.

‘The Incredibles’: An animated masterpiece overlooked for best picture

The Incredibles is another animated film that deserved recognition beyond the best animated feature category. Its innovative storytelling, complex characters, and stunning animation made it a strong contender for best picture. The Academy’s reluctance to nominate animated films for best picture continues to be a point of contention among cinema enthusiasts.

These overlooked cinematic gems highlight the complexities and sometimes perplexing nature of the Oscar nominations process. Each of these films and performances brought something unique and valuable to the world of cinema, and their snubs serve as a reminder of the subjective nature of awards recognition.# Unforgettable Oscar snubs: A look at cinema’s overlooked gems

The magic of animation: Disney and Pixar’s near misses

Disney and Pixar have long been synonymous with animated excellence, producing some of the most beloved films in cinematic history. Among their crowning achievements are three animated movies that earned nominations for Best Picture: Beauty and the Beast (1991), Up (2009), and Toy Story 3 (2010). However, not all of their masterpieces have received the recognition they deserve.

One such film is The Incredibles (2004), a superhero family adventure that pays homage to classic TV while humorously exploring the quirks of the superhero genre. Directed by Brad Bird and featuring memorable voice work by Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson, this box office hit garnered four Oscar nominations, including Original Screenplay and Sound Mixing, and won two for Animated Feature and Sound Editing. Despite its success, it was notably snubbed for Best Picture, losing out to period dramas like Finding Neverland. Even Michael Giacchino’s iconic score was overlooked, leaving fans and critics alike wondering what might have been.

For those who haven’t experienced the magic of The Incredibles, you can watch the trailer here.

Michelle Pfeiffer’s feline finesse: A missed opportunity

Michelle Pfeiffer is an actor whose talent has shone brightly across a variety of roles. While she should have already secured an Oscar for her performance in The Fabulous Baker Boys (1989), her portrayal of Selina Kyle, the secretary-turned-feline antagonist in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns (1992), stands out as a career-defining moment. Pfeiffer’s Catwoman is a blend of seduction and fearlessness, a testament to her unmistakable talent.

Despite her brilliant performance, Pfeiffer’s work in Batman Returns was overlooked by the Academy. Had the film been released today, it’s likely that her portrayal would have received the recognition it deserved. For a glimpse of Pfeiffer’s iconic turn as Catwoman, check out the trailer here.

The Dark Knight: A game-changer for the Academy Awards

Before the likes of Black Panther and Joker, there was The Dark Knight (2008), a film that forever changed the landscape of the Academy Awards. Directed by Christopher Nolan, this second installment in the Dark Knight trilogy featured one of Heath Ledger’s final performances as the Joker, a role that has since become legendary.

Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker was a masterclass in acting, transcending the boundaries of comic book adaptations. Many believed that Nolan, who had already been passed over for Memento and would later be overlooked for Inception, would finally receive the recognition he deserved. However, the Academy had other plans, ignoring The Dark Knight in the top categories of Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay, despite the film receiving eight other nominations.

The snub of The Dark Knight led to significant changes in the Academy’s nomination process, ultimately paving the way for future comic book adaptations to be taken more seriously. To witness the brilliance of The Dark Knight, watch the trailer here.

Reflecting on the impact of overlooked performances

As cinema enthusiasts, it’s essential to recognize the impact of these overlooked performances and films. They remind us that the art of filmmaking is subjective, and even the most deserving works can sometimes be passed over. These snubs also highlight the evolving nature of the Academy Awards and the broader film industry, where genres once considered niche are now celebrated on the grandest stage.

For those passionate about cinema, TV series, and music, these stories serve as a reminder to explore beyond the accolades and discover the hidden gems that may not have received their due recognition. Whether it’s the superhero antics of The Incredibles, the seductive allure of Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman, or the dark brilliance of The Dark Knight, these films offer a wealth of entertainment and artistic merit that transcends the confines of awards season.

the true measure of a film’s success lies in its ability to resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impact. So, let’s continue to celebrate these cinematic treasures and appreciate the artistry that makes them unforgettable.