- Disney has officially launched an Academy Awards campaign for Marvel’s ‘Thunderbolts*’, seeking a nomination for Best Picture.
- The studio is also pushing for major categories including Best Actress for Florence Pugh, Best Supporting Actor for Sebastian Stan, and Best Director for Jake Schreier.
- This move signals Marvel’s aggressive new awards strategy, following a similar campaign for ‘Captain America: Brave New World’.
- Marvel Studios has historically struggled for major Oscar recognition, with the two ‘Black Panther’ films being the primary exceptions.
Marvel’s Bold Oscar Strategy for Thunderbolts*
In a move that has the industry buzzing, Marvel Studios is making an aggressive push for Academy Award recognition for its upcoming film, ‘Thunderbolts*’. Despite a history of being overlooked in major categories, the studio is throwing its full weight behind the anti-hero team-up, launching an official “For Your Consideration” campaign that shockingly includes a bid for the coveted Best Picture award.
Overcoming a History of Oscar Snubs
While Marvel films dominate the box office, they have rarely translated that success into Oscar gold. The exceptions have been the groundbreaking ‘Black Panther’ films, which secured awards for Best Original Score and Best Costume Design. However, for the most part, the Marvel Cinematic Universe has been left out of the major awards season conversations. With this ambitious campaign for ‘Thunderbolts*’, it’s clear Disney and Marvel President Kevin Feige, who would receive the award if the film won Best Picture, are determined to change that narrative.
The Full List of Hopeful Nominations
The campaign reveals a deep confidence in the film’s cast and crew, with nominations being sought across numerous prestigious categories.
Major Acting and Directing Categories
The studio is championing its star-studded cast, seeking nominations for:
- Best Director: Jake Schreier
- Best Actress: Florence Pugh
- Best Supporting Actor: Sebastian Stan and Lewis Pullman
- Best Supporting Actress: Julia Louis-Dreyfus
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo
Extensive Technical Recognition
Beyond the top-line awards, Disney is also pushing for recognition in a wide array of technical fields, highlighting the craftsmanship involved in the blockbuster. These include Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, Best Makeup & Hairstyling, Best Original Score, Best Production Design, Best Sound, and Best Visual Effects.
The Long Road to Oscar Night
This formidable awards campaign demonstrates Marvel’s intent to be seen as more than just popular entertainment. The official nominations for the Academy Awards will be announced on Thursday, January 22, 2026, with the ceremony scheduled for March 15, 2026. All eyes will be on ‘Thunderbolts*’ to see if this audacious strategy will finally earn Marvel the critical validation it’s fighting for.
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