Will ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Finally Bring Marvel Studios a Best Visual Effects Oscar?
Despite dominating the box office over the last 16 years and remaining at the forefront of popular culture, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has traditionally struggled at the Oscars.
While it’s perhaps no surprise that superhero films have not fared well in the Best Picture category or endowed its stars with prestigious acting awards, the MCU has also been shut out in the Visual Effects categories.
Despite its widespread use of CGI, which has, until lately, been lauded as some of the best ever produced, no MCU film has ever won the Oscar for Best Visual Effects.
Since Iron Man flew onto the scene in 2008, the MCU has earned 14 Best Visual Effects nominations — and lost almost yearly.
Even the box office behemoths that were Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame could not bring home the coveted award, losing out to First Man and 1917, respectively.
Interestingly, despite 2023 being arguably the worst year for the MCU in the franchise’s history, it has also presented the best chance for Marvel to finally win the Best Visual Effects award.
Will ‘Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3’ Finally Win?
With Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 nominated for the award, Marvel Studios finally looks like it has the inside track.
While Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 were nominated for Best Visual Effects and lost, this year, there does not seem to be a clear frontrunner to challenge the Guardians.
Traditionally, if there is a Best Picture nominee in the lineup, the film will take home the Visual Effects trophy.
This year, however, critical darling Oppenheimer did not even make the Visual Effects shortlist, while Poor Things failed to make the final five.
That leaves Godzilla Minus One, The Creator, and Napoleon as the main rivals for Guardians Vol. 3.
The Marvel Studios VFX Controversy Could Play a Role
The wildcard in the race could be the recent controversy Marvel Studios has faced for the working conditions that its VFX artists endured. Claims of unrealistic expectations and bullying eventually led to the departure of longtime executive Victoria Alonso.
Perhaps in recognition of the struggle they endured, the Academy will bestow Marvel’s VFX artists with the prestigious award.
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