No doubt, Black Panther is one of the most popular and recognized movies of the year. It’s the highest-grossing movie at this year’s box office and has garnered major critical success to boot. Many think the movie has a shot at best picture. Now, Disney has officially taken over the hype train.
It’s a bit early to begin For Your Consideration campaigns for the Oscars, but considering Black Panther came out in February, Disney likely wants to keep its name in people’s minds as more traditional awards fare like First Man, The Frontrunner, Mary Queen of Scots and Beautiful Boy enter theaters this season. The company has launched an impressive FYC website for Panther, with a slate of potential nominees that is, in a word, ambitious.
Best picture leads the prospectives while Ryan Coogler and Chadwick Boseman are proffered as best director and best actor picks, respectively. Supporting actor and actress is where things become a little absurd, with a whopping seven names proposed for the former (Michael B. Jordan rests atop that list) and four for the latter (Lupita Nyong’o and Letitia Wright are there, never fear). Other notable picks include Rachel Morison for best cinematography—she made history last year as the first woman ever nominated in the category—and “All the Stars” for best original song.
What’s likely to actually see a nod from all this? We’re optimists, but we’re hopeful for best picture, as well as Coogler for best director and Michael B. Jordan for best supporting actor. Also keep a lookout for Ruth Carter in the best costume design category. She might be the MVP of the whole movie.
You can check out Disney’s full list of proposed nominees here.