When it comes to comic book movies, the fans are a passionate bunch as they band behind their beloved universes and actors. Lately, there’s been a massive drive from MCU fans for the Academy to nominate Robert Downey Jr’s portrayal as Tony Stark/Iron Man in Avengers: Endgame for an Oscar.
Of course, the record-breaking film marks the final appearance (well, at least for now) of Downey as the billionaire hero and resulted in an emotional farewell for the character. Many fans still get teary-eyed when they think of his last line, as well as the “I love you 3000” phrase between Stark and his daughter, Morgan.
Truth be told, Downey put in a good performance as Stark. And much like all the other films beforehand, he solidified that Stark and Iron Man will be synonymous with him for years to come.
Was it a career-defining performance like, say, 1992’s Chaplin, which earned him an Oscar nomination? Absolutely not. In fact, it wasn’t even his best performance in the MCU—which still remains 2008’s Iron Man.
While there’s certainly an emotional aspect to Downey’s performance in Avengers: Endgame due to his character’s death, an Oscar nomination shouldn’t be about sympathy or fan service. And honestly, that’s exactly what this situation screams of.
Already as is, the Academy Awards receive major flak for failing to reward the right films and actors. Too often, performances are ignored because the movies aren’t exactly deemed Oscar material.
Comic book movies aren’t exactly suffering there, though, especially considering the successes of Black Panther and Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse at this year’s ceremony. These films are in vogue and the Academy has finally decided to embrace the genre rather than treat it as an anomaly.
That’s all good and dandy, and you’ll probably find that Avengers: Endgame will receive a few nominations in various categories, but a Best Actor gong for Downey? Does he really deserve one over Hugh Jackman or Patrick Stewart for their outstanding work in Logan?
You see, it’s a slippery slope here. While fans would love to see their favourites being recognised on the biggest stage of them all, it’s also important to put things into context. Just because a film is now the highest-grossing movie of all time doesn’t mean it’s the best in terms of overall quality (remember Avatar?). At the same time, just because an actor ended a long run as a character in a franchise doesn’t mean he deserves an Oscar.
By all means, cherish Downey’s performances as Iron Man and his swansong in Avengers: Endgame. But don’t confuse that with something else.
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He should…duh
I agree with this article. I do think that an awards service for superhero/comicbook/action movies and series should service this market though. And no, I’m not talking about MTV movie awards which service teenyboppers, but one that acknowledges both the production values and acting talents we are gifted when we watch these masterful story telling. Productions like The Boys, The Umbrella Academy, Tron Uprising, select entries in the MCU are reason enough for a new awards process.
Hugh Jackman and Patrick did deserve nomineea…. And so does Robert
They only give Oscars to movies no one wants to watch nowadays. I use to value Oscar movies – but now I won’t even watch a free movie on TV if it was Oscar nominated, much less spend money at the box office watching them! They’re either so boring (“masterful” supposedly!) or I’m too dumb to appreciate the “art”. They can keep the Oscar and he’ll keep his millions. The masses value him 3000 more than an Oscar anyway!
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Very one sided article here.
Agreed.
Very biased.
Especially when suddenly mentioning Logan a movie that came out in the year 2017 not 2019.
Here us my comment to u,fuck u!!!yeh I said it,we his fans are the stark family,so plssss how bout u keep ur opinion n appreciate the fact his a good actor,n still a good role model in such way he makes u believe even the mistakes u make in the past u can still be the best!
RDJ IS THE BEST YOU JUST NEED TO ACCEPT IT,I MEAN GO WATCH ENDGAME AGAIN N embrace when he improvised the captain America n him scene wen he just returned!!!
Stop trippin bruh
I am a huge Avengers fan.
They do a great job portraying their characters.
Big budget, Huge actors– blah blah.
I think Robert’s performance is a classic…
BUT
If i do say he is Oscar-worthy, it will only be because i am a brain-washed-fan.
So you are saying that just because they are from superhero movies they don’t deserve an oscar?
Then you don’t deserve an opinion then.
Jolly well fuck off.
This is why no one actually even bothers to read your article. Because they are so full of shit.
And how long ago was Logan? 2 damn years ago. If they wanted to give Huge Jackman one they would have given him one during that period of time. Now that he is no longer part of the X-men/Marvel cinematic universe… Why should he get one now?
Oscar are done every year so why should a movie that is from the year 2017 suddenly be brought up for?
I don’t get why people like you are shitting on Robert Downey Jr for.
No wonder Thanos wants to snap people like you.
Love Robert. I have been a fan since the 80s. He is definitely overdue for an Oscar. However, the Joker film is about to come out and based on previews and early reviews, it looks like Joaquin Phoenix might be a serious Oscar contender. I’m a fan of Joaquin’s as well and if he delivers for Joker, it might be over for Robert. It’s still too early to tell who will be contenders for Oscars because Tom Hanks might get nominated for Mister Rogers. You never know what Oscar voters will like.
You’re gonna look like a doos if he does win.