Disney Is Planning To Put Its Weight Behind 'Black Panther' For Awards Season

Could an Oscar be in Black Panther‘s future? Seems Disney is reportedly set to put its weight behind the Marvel hit for the 2019 awards season.

For Deadline‘s post-Oscars coverage, a Disney executive confirmed to the website that plans were in place to campaign for the film, along with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s upcoming Mary Poppins Returns.

The film, which has broken numerous records, is already on its way to making $1 billion.

Back in February, director Ryan Coogler penned a heartfelt letter to fans thanking them for their support. “Never in a million years did we imagine that you all would come out this strong,” he wrote. “It still humbles me to think that people care enough to spend their money and time watching our film—But to see people of all backgrounds wearing clothing that celebrates their heritage, taking pictures next to our posters with their friends and family, and sometimes dancing in the lobbies of theaters—often moved me and my wife to tears.”

Vulture‘s Kyle Buchanan also wrote about Marvel’s Oscar chances, writing that Black Panther should at the very least be considered for its costume design, “This film, which truly does bring elements to the superhero genre that have not been seen onscreen before, has a strong chance of breaking into a category that Marvel has never been competitive in, Best Costume Design. The twice-nominated costumer Ruth E. Carter has helped design a wowser world of Wakanda with outfits that aren’t simply catnip for cosplayers but could dazzle Academy members, too.”

And, with Michael B. Jordan’s turn as Erik Killmonger, we firmly believe the actor should be considered for Best Supporting Actor.

Still, the Oscars are a year away, so only time will tell if our hopes and Disney’s come true.