Michael B. Jordan Talks Potential Oscar Odds For ‘Black Panther’

The entertainment industry and landscape are changing. It may have been strange early on with Game of Thrones, for example, to be seen as a true Emmy contender with its fantasy setting, but the tide has changed. The same applies to films as well. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King brought in many accolades, Logan was nominated for its screenplay, The Dark Knight for Best Supporting Actor, and Star Trek and Suicide Squad for makeup and costume. But what about Black Panther? Well, Michael B. Jordan may have an idea.

Indeed, Marvel Studios and the House of Mouse are making a push for the industry to recognize Black Panther, and while it came out well before Oscar season, Michael B. Jordan, in an interview with Essence,believes that given the film’s social and cultural impact, that the Academy may recognize it. At the same time, though, he notes that just what the film achieved on its own right is a win already. Observe:

“The movie has done such a great job, broke through so many glass ceilings, and made such an impact culturally and around the world. If the Academy chooses to recognize that project for all of those reasons that’s amazing icing on the cake, but I think what the movie has done so far is truly incredible and a win all its own.”

We’re in November right now and we’re heading into Oscar season with a lot of heavy hitters coming out soon, and some already out right now in theaters, so right now it remains to be seen if the Academy will pay any tribute to Black Panther. Though hey, the Oscars air on ABC, which is owned by Disney, so you do the math. Though the House of Mouse could make a huge push for the film and hopefully it goes better than the Popular Film category.

And indeed, Michael B. Jordan is correct about Black Panther shattering glass ceilings and its worldwide impact, but does that stack well against the slew of potential Oscar films that will come out between now and the actual Academy Awards ceremony next year? Only time will tell, though Jordan believes that it’s not up to him to determine what film is worthy of prestige:

“I felt so accomplished doing this movie, but it’s not up to me to validate the film. So the people who make those decisions, that’s something they have to think about and figure out on their own.”

So it remains to be seen what the award future holds in store for Ryan Coogler’s film. What say you, though, readers? Do you think that the film has a shot at some sort of Oscar glory, or at the very least a nomination? And in what category? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Directed by Ryan Coogler, Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker, and Andy Serkis. The film is available now on Digital HD, 4K, Blu-Ray, and DVD.

Source: Essence