Superhero films often make their way to the Academy Awards. From Chadwick Boseman’s Black Panther to The Avengers; there have been many movies from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that made their way to getting either nominated for such a prestigious award or actually winning the accolade as well. There have been numerous awards that the franchise has bagged but to win an Oscar is still a rare thing.
In order to commemorate such wins, there needs to be a certain amount of acknowledgment that comes with it. To take into account these movies, there needs to be acceptance. Surprisingly enough, Kevin Feige sees a similar theme that has been followed for years. In fact, he believes there to be a certain bias against superhero movies that makes it impossible for them to win in the first place. So much so that he wanted Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to win an Oscar.
Kevin Feige Wanted Shang-Chi to be Recognized Like Black Panther
Kevin Feige has seen the Marvel Cinematic Universe grow from absolute nothingness. He has helped in the development of the franchise in ways no one can ever even think about taking credit for. So when he opened up to the Hollywood Reporter regarding how recognition for superhero films is still scarce, there was nothing more candid than that.
“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…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,” he stated. “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.”
There was great recognition when Black Panther was first released, that made it possible for the film to be nominated for Best Picture at the Oscars. In a similar manner, he focused on how had Shang-Chi been a hero as popular as many others, then it would have gotten just as much recognition if not more.
Superhero Films Are Not Real Cinema?
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Kevin Feige elaborated on how there is a certain bias and prejudice that is formed when it comes to superhero films. It in itself took a long time to establish. Not a cartoon and not just for children, superhero movies are much more than that.
“I think we are always at a deficit because of the Marvel logo and because of a genre bias that certainly exists.”
Feige believes that as long as a bias exists, there won’t be any recognition for such films either. They will not be considered as part of real cinema and be looked down upon no matter how much work is put into these films. There are talented directors, actors, and scriptwriters at work. The world-building that goes into such works is unimaginable. So to disregard them may be disrespecting the talents involved as well.
