If you’re a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the ‘Avengers’ films, in particular, a debate can be had about who is the leader of the superhero team. Is it Chris Evans’ Captain America or Robert Downey, Jr’s Iron Man? Okay, maybe after ‘Endgame,’ you can throw Scarlett Johansson’s Black Widow in the mix as well. But don’t come here with that Hawkeye BS. Needless to say, the ‘Avengers’ films are filled with big names in major, lead roles. But when it comes to Oscars, they’re all just supporting players in Disney’s eyes.
After the groundbreaking nomination of “Black Panther” for Best Picture at this year’s Oscars, Disney and Marvel Studios are hoping to have some serious Academy love for “Avengers: Endgame.” And in what some may see as an odd choice, the studio is not only going for the Best Picture nom but is also putting forth a group of 13 names for acting recognition. However, none of the actors being submitted are going for the Best Actor or Best Actress, and they’re instead all being submitted in the Best Supporting categories.
Names such as Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Chris Hemsworth, Paul Rudd, Don Cheadle, Scarlett Johansson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillan, and Brie Larson are all being submitted by Disney for Best Supporting Actor and Actress, respectfully. Now, in ‘Endgame,’ a case can be made for Evans or Johansson as potential leads, but the rest firmly fall under the Supporting label.
However, the big name that is being submitted for Best Supporting Actor is Robert Downey, Jr. This is shocking, for a couple of reasons. One, Downey, Jr has already said that he’s not interested in campaigning for the award, at all. But hey, he’s probably not going to fight it, either. Secondly, considering the film itself, it feels a bit odd that the actor isn’t being positioned for a Best Actor nomination. Of all the A-listers in the film, calling Downey, Jr “supporting” is a bit of a misnomer. Yes, it’s an ensemble, but Tony Stark is the heart and soul of the film and carries the vast majority of the emotional moments.
Now, ultimately, this is all likely going to end up meaning nothing, as it’s unlikely that any of the 13 names will land a nomination. However, if Disney is able to get a Supporting nomination for Downey, Jr, it could lead to a bit of debate over the validity of that designation.
Either way, it’s clear that Disney is pushing hard for “Avengers: Endgame,” which went on to become the highest-grossing film of all time, to get some Oscar recognition.