Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman in Deadpool and Wolverine (Image: Disney)
The Marvel blockbuster Deadpool and Wolverine has reportedly started its Oscar campaign. The film, which introduced the foul-mouthed mercenary to the MCU and became a box office sensation, is said to be aiming for acting category nominations at the prestigious awards ceremony.
According to Variety, the studio plans to nominate Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor respectively. The report also suggests that the film could replicate the Golden Globes success of Barbie, another box office hit, which won the newly created Cinematic and Box Office Achievement award.
This award recognises films that achieve both critical acclaim and commercial success. To qualify, a film must gross at least $150m, with $100m coming from US box office sales.
Comparable streaming viewership figures are also considered. Alongside acting nominations, Deadpool and Wolverine is also hoping to compete for technical awards, including production, design, sound and special effects.
The original Deadpool film, released in 2016, received Golden Globe nominations for Best Motion Picture and Best Actor for Reynolds. However, fans remain sceptical about the chances of Reynolds, who plays Deadpool, and Jackman, reprising his role as Wolverine after more than 20 years, receiving nominations, reports .
Fans want a new awards category for the film (Image: Disney)
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One fan expressed their admiration for the film, yet remained sceptic about its chances at the Oscars: “I loved the movie, but good luck getting the Academy to even nominate this movie for acting categories.”
Another chimed in with support for the studio’s determination, commenting: “Good for Marvel. I don’t know that either will win, but it’s nice to see the studio going to bat for their guys.”
The debate continued with some pointing out that if Hugh Jackman’s acclaimed performance in Logan, which was expected to mark the end of his role, failed to receive recognition, it seemed improbable for a nod this time.
Meanwhile, an enthusiastic fan took the opportunity to invent a new Oscar category that should be awarded, suggesting: “Wish there also was a ‘best on-screen couple’ or ‘best duo/ensemble’ category.”