20th Century Fox’s Deadpool is currently drawing praise as one of the best superhero films of all time, but that may not last for long. According to MCU actor Anthony Mackie, Captain America: Civil War is the best Marvel movie yet. Naturally, most high-profile actors think that their latest work is great, but Mackie takes it a stretch further. The Falcon/Sam Wilson star thinks that Civil War could be a contender for Best Picture at the Academy Awards.
In a recent interview with BBC radio (h/t/ Variety ), Mackie went on to explain his claims: “Winter Soldier and Iron Man 1 are probably Marvel’s two best movies. I feel like this one beats both of those movies. I think it might be the first superhero movie that might be up for best picture.”
It’s certainly a bold statement from Mackie, who knows along with the rest of us that blockbuster movies, yet alone superhero films, rarely are nominated for major prizes at the Oscars. It’s one thing to predict Civil War nominations for visual effects or sound design, but Best Picture would prove to be a massive shock indeed.
However, considering the heavy themes circulating around Civil War, it could manage to woo the Academy if executed like Mackie asserts. Take a look at the official synopsis for Captain America: Civil War:
Marvel’s “Captain America: Civil War” finds Steve Rogers leading the newly formed team of Avengers in their continued efforts to safeguard humanity. But after another incident involving the Avengers results in collateral damage, political pressure mounts to install a system of accountability, headed by a governing body to oversee and direct the team. The new status quo fractures the Avengers, resulting in two camps—one led by Steve Rogers and his desire for the Avengers to remain free to defend humanity without government interference, and the other following Tony Stark’s surprising decision to support government oversight and accountability.
As you can see, there are some serious motifs examined in Civil War. There’s government politics and ethical dilemmas - not to mention Captain America and Iron Man’s dissolved friendship. All of it adds up to drama - which the Academy loves to recognize.
We’ll find out if Mackie’s claims are valid soon enough. Captain America: Civil War arrives in theaters on May 6.
