As a cinephile who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of cinema, I can confidently say that some of the most heart-wrenching moments come not from the films that take home the top awards, but from those that are cruelly overlooked. One such moment for me was when Jordan’s electrifying portrayal of Erik Killmonger in “Black Panther” was snubbed by the Academy. His performance was a masterclass in complexity and nuance, a rare gem in the superhero genre. It was a testament to what acting in the Marvel Cinematic Universe could achieve, had it been recognized.
Superhero films bring a lot of revenue to movie studios, but they’re often not considered works of art deserving of Oscars. It’s tough for movies with iconic characters like Batman, Superman, or Iron Man to be seen as equally important as historical epics by the Academy and industry voters. Still, there have been many impressive films and performances in this genre that should have received more recognition. These overlooked gems would have made excellent additions to the “snubs and surprises” lists throughout film history.
To honor the record-breaking weekend shared by “Deadpool & Wolverine,” EbMaster is listing the top 15 most notable oversights in Oscar nominations for superhero films.
Marvel Studios has experienced remarkable triumph, earning a total of 27 Oscar nominations from its blockbuster films worldwide, starting with Jon Favreau’s debut production “Iron Man” in 2008. Out of these nominations, Marvel has claimed four awards: costume design (twice by Ruth E. Carter), production design (shared by Hannah Beachler and Jay Hart) and original score (Ludwig Göransson) for “Black Panther” in 2018, and costume design again (by Carter) for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022. Notably, Ruth E. Carter is the only Black woman to win multiple Oscars in any category. Directed by Ryan Coogler, “Black Panther” was the first superhero film to be nominated for Best Picture, a distinction later shared with Todd Phillips’s “Joker” in the following awards season.
Previously, the DC Universe as we know it was underway, spearheaded by James Gunn and Peter Safran in their current tenure. This universe was launched with Zack Snyder’s reboot of Superman titled “Man of Steel” (2013). Warner Bros. has been adapting DC Comics for the big screen since Richard Donner’s iconic “Superman” featuring Christopher Reeve in 1978. Comparatively, films inspired by DC Comics have garnered more Oscar nods than their Marvel counterparts, with a total of 30 nominations and six wins: art direction for “Batman” (1989), supporting actor for Heath Ledger in “The Dark Knight” (2008), sound effects editing for the same film, makeup and hairstyling for “Suicide Squad” (2016), actor for Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker” (2019), and original score for Hildur Guðnadóttir in the same movie.
As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’ve got to say that Shawn Levy’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” has been a massive hit among audiences, but it’s received mixed reviews from critics, with just 78% on Rotten Tomatoes – the lowest of its trilogy so far. However, when it comes to the Oscars, I believe this action-packed adventure featuring Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman could find itself in contention for some technical categories, especially Visual Effects and Sound. It wouldn’t shock me if the Golden Globes give it a look-in too, perhaps even nominating it for their comedy categories, given that they recognized its first installment with nods for Best Picture and Actor (Reynolds).
Read the list of EbMaster’s 15 top Oscar snubs throughout history below.
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)
‘The Lego Batman Movie’ (Animated Feature)
Chris McKay, together with producers Phil Lord and Chris Miller, created one of the funniest installments in the franchise through the Lego spin-off movie starring Will Arnett as Batman. Regardless of its comedic success, it didn’t receive any Oscar nominations in the animated feature category. However, the film is notable for its thrilling action scenes and Michael Cera’s amusing yet touching performance as Robin, the loyal sidekick.
‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’ (Cinematography)
Battling for love isn’t a walk in the park, especially when you’re competing against seven former suitors of your ideal woman. Edgar Wright masterfully brings Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel to life, flawlessly combining action and humor, made even more captivating by the visually stunning scenes and thrilling action sequences thanks to the undervalued cinematographer Bill Pope. Renowned for his work on “The Matrix” (1999), “Spider-Man 2” (2004), and “The Jungle Book” (2016), Pope’s talent is evident throughout. The film offers enjoyable acting performances by Michael Cera and Kieran Culkin, but the real draw is the non-stop adrenaline rush from start to finish.
Mark Hamill — ‘Batman: Mask of the Phantasm’ (Supporting Actor)
Over time, the animated Batman movie released on Christmas Day in 1993, often overshadowed by “The Lion King” and “Nightmare Before Christmas” of the same year, has transformed into a timeless classic. Despite initially underperforming at the box office, it managed to gather a dedicated fanbase, particularly due to Mark Hamill’s exceptional voice performance as the sinister Joker. This portrayal is now considered one of the most iconic villain performances, and its appeal has only grown over the decades.
‘Batman Begins’ (Adapted Screenplay)
In my opinion, the first installment of “The Dark Knight” trilogy, written by directors Christopher and Jonathan Nolan, offers a skillfully crafted origin story that’s rich in drama and introduces unforgettable villains like Cillian Murphy as the Scarecrow, Liam Neeson as Ra’s al Ghul.
‘Blade’ (Film Editing)
A recent appearance sparked a renewed appreciation for me, as I found myself eagerly recommending the 1998 vampire action film “Blade” to all movie enthusiasts. Starring Wesley Snipes in an unforgettable role, it stood out with its well-executed action scenes, expertly arranged by two-time Oscar nominee Paul Rubell (“The Insider” and “Collateral”). The film’s continued popularity can be attributed to Rubell’s masterful editing techniques. I hope we get more superhero movies similar to “Blade,” or perhaps even a future “Blade” addition to the MCU one day!
‘Avengers: Infinity War’ (Original Score)
Composer Alan Silvestri, twice nominated for Oscars (“Forrest Gump” and “The Polar Express”), was among the initial contenders for the best original score at the 2018 Oscars for “Avengers: Infinity War”, though he didn’t receive a nomination in the end. The movie’s soundtrack achieves its climax during the final battle, where the song “Get That Arm/I Feel You” amplifies tension, thrill, and ultimately sorrow as our beloved superheroes struggle to prevent Thanos from obtaining the last Infinity Stone.
Nevertheless, considering that “Black Panther,” composed by Ludwig Göransson, was also a contender within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, there was space for just a single heroic soundtrack in the final selection.
‘Wonder Woman’ (Costume Design)
Costume designer Lindy Hemming, known for her work in films like “Topsy-Turvy”, has worked across various genres, including British comedies such as “Four Weddings and a Funeral”, fantasies such as “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets”, and contemporary action movies like “Casino Royale”. Her work on “Topsy-Turvy” earned her an Oscar nomination (and win), leading many to anticipate a second nomination. However, despite the film’s blockbuster success and critical acclaim for bringing the characters of Themyscira and Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, to life, it was unfortunately overlooked in all categories, leaving Hemming once again on the sidelines.
‘Deadpool’ (Makeup and Hairstyling)
2016 was a remarkable year for cinema, especially for me as a film enthusiast, with “Deadpool” truly ruling the box office. When it was shortlisted for the best makeup and hairstyling award, I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope that this R-rated gem from 20th Century Fox might find its way into Oscar’s heart. Alas, the Academy went with “Suicide Squad” instead, leaving “Deadpool” out in the cold. Ryan Reynolds, the actor and producer, handled it like a true champ, saying, “The tickle-fight at Camp #Deadpool is still on! Congratulations to all the nominees for these fantastic films.”
‘X-Men’ (Visual Effects)
On July 14, 2000, two weeks after my 15th birthday and concluding my sophomore year in high school, my friends and I were eagerly anticipating one thing: watching the live-action version of our beloved cartoon, “X-Men.” The movie featured a blend of familiar and new faces, with Hugh Jackman portraying the rugged Wolverine. At that time, nothing quite compared to it.
Moving on to the upcoming Oscar ceremony, I had anticipated that the film would be nominated for at least four awards on February 13, a day before Valentine’s Day. I held high hopes for a nomination in Visual Effects due to the film’s unique blend of limited CGI and practical set design. To my disappointment, the team led by Michael L. Fink, Michael J. McAlister, David Prescott, and Theresa Ellis Rygiel did not receive a nomination. This snub left many young fans in New York and New Jersey wondering why their beloved characters were overlooked by the Academy. While it’s been some time, I believe we have now forgiven them for this oversight.
‘Captain America: Civil War’ (Visual Effects)
The Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe, played a pivotal role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) beyond just introducing Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa as Black Panther and Tom Holland’s Spider-Man. They elevated the quality of these films by creating intricately designed action sequences, like the unforgettable airport battle scene in “Captain America: Civil War.” Their work also showcased a harmonious fusion of practical effects and visual technology in costume design, notably with Black Panther’s suit. It’s surprising that the Academy chose to recognize the visual aspects of another MCU film, “Doctor Strange,” over the groundbreaking work by the Russo Brothers and their visual effects team.
‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ (Best Picture)
For a while now, I’ve been advocating for Sony’s animated sequel “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” due to its groundbreaking nature and exceptional quality. I felt it was worthy of best picture accolades last year. However, my appreciation for this franchise started with the 2018 release, which debuted the Afro-Latino character Miles Morales, portrayed by Shameik Moore. Although the film won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature (Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, Rodney Rothman, Phil Lord, Christopher Miller), it was unfortunate that the Academy didn’t consider it for their top eight best picture nominees, which included questionable choices like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “Vice” and the eventual winner “Green Book.” The audacious originality of “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” deserved a place among them. The animation genre is often overlooked, and it’s high time Hollywood reconsiders its viewpoint on this essential art form.
‘Robocop’ (Makeup)
Prior to the ongoing fights between Deadpool and Wolverine in a fully loaded Honda Odyssey, director Paul Verhoeven astonished audiences with his portrayal of the brutal world of a Detroit police officer who was killed, then rebuilt as the ruthless, robotic Robocop. Although the 1987 sci-fi action film received an Oscar for sound editing and nominations for sound mixing and film editing, the exceptional makeup work by Carla Palmer was unfortunately overlooked. In a year where only two films in the makeup category were recognized — “Happy New Year” and the eventual winner “Harry and the Hendersons” — Robocop’s excessive violence and abundant blood effects deserved recognition.
Michael B. Jordan — ‘Black Panther’ (Supporting Actor)
Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal as Marvel’s intricate and captivating villain in “Black Panther” played a significant role in the film receiving critical acclaim, making it the first superhero movie to be nominated for best picture. As the adversary to Chadwick Boseman’s T’Challa, Jordan brought depth and subtlety to his character, showcasing new and exciting possibilities for acting within the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). His performance not only touched the film’s central themes but also elevated it above ordinary superhero stories. The absence of such exceptional supporting actors from award consideration was one of the most glaring oversights in recent years.
‘The Incredibles’ (Best Picture)
Only Disney and its subsidiary Pixar have managed to create three animated movies that were nominated for Best Picture – “Beauty and the Beast” (1991), “Up” (2009), and “Toy Story 3” (2010). However, they’ve experienced significant oversights, such as with their 2004 superhero family film “The Incredibles.” This movie takes inspiration from classic TV shows while satirically delving into the oddities of the superhero world. Notable performances by Holly Hunter and Samuel L. Jackson, under the direction of Brad Bird, resulted in four Oscar nominations, including Best Original Screenplay and Sound Mixing, and it won two for Best Animated Feature and Best Sound Editing. Regrettably, despite a Professional Guild of America (PGA) nomination, it couldn’t outshine period dramas like “Finding Neverland” to secure a spot on the list. Even Michael Giacchino’s unforgettable score was disregarded.
Michelle Pfeiffer — ‘Batman Returns’ (Supporting Actress)
I’ve always admired Michelle Pfeiffer’s acting prowess, and I firmly believe she deserved an Oscar long before her third nomination for “Love Field” (1992). In my opinion, that recognition served as a proxy for her exceptional performance in Tim Burton’s “Batman Returns,” where she breathed life into the captivating and fearless Catwoman. Her portrayal of Selina Kyle elevated seduction and boldness to unprecedented heights, showcasing Pfeiffer’s undeniable talent. If “Batman Returns” had been released today, I believe her brilliance would have been more widely recognized.
‘The Dark Knight’ (Best Picture)
Back in the day, when I was deeply into cinema, nothing could’ve prepared me for the groundbreaking moment “The Dark Knight” didn’t get an Academy Award nomination. It was a shockwave that forever reshaped the landscape of the Oscars. Before “Black Panther” and “Joker,” this masterpiece stood alone, a testament to what a comic book movie could truly be.
Exceptional, vindictive, and delivering an outstanding acting performance, one of Heath Ledger’s last roles significantly marked cinema history. In the second installment of Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, he transformed Batman’s long-time adversary, the Joker, into a chilling and menacing figure. Breaking free from the conventions of comic book adaptations, many felt that the director, who was previously overlooked for “Memento” and later for “Inception,” would finally receive the recognition he was due. However, the Academy had other ideas, choosing to ignore the film in the major categories of Best Picture, Director, and Screenplay, despite earning eight other nominations.
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2024-07-31 03:19