Kevin Feige Says He Believes Marvel Films Struggle to Get Oscar Nominations Due to Genre Bias

The Marvel films have ushered in a whole new way of looking at comic book movies. Over the last 14 years, we have watched over 25 films that have told the stories of many diverse and beloved characters, and the movies are beautifully made and told in such a fantastical fashion. So why haven’t we seen more Oscar nominations across these movies? MCU President Kevin Feige says he believes it comes down to genre bias.

In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Feige explained:

"I think we are always at a deficit because of the Marvel logo and because of a genre bias that certainly exists. 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."

Feige also talked about his hopes for this year’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, revealing he'd like the film to be recognized at the Oscars for the work of Kym Barrett, the film's costume designer, as well as cinematographer William Pope, and others:

"There are a lot of comic fans that didn't know who Shang-Chi was. And yet the work that Destin [Cretton, director] did and Dave [Callaham, screenwriter] did and Sue [Chan, production designer] did and Joel [P. West, composer] did, created something new that connected with audiences," Feige said. "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."

I think maybe Marvel just had to pay its dues and prove that while they are out to tell the stories found in comic books, they are also making real, quality movies with great acting and solid effects, as well as all the other attributes of quality filmmaking. There has definitely been a shift in how these movies are viewed, and I think that will start to reflect in the awards.

The next Marvel film, Spider-Man: No Way Home is in theaters this week, then Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness in May 2022, Thor: Love & Thunder next July, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever next November.