'Black Panther' is on the hunt for a best picture Oscar, no matter what happens with the 'popular film' prize
When the Academy Awards were held the first weekend of March, "Black Panther" was dominating both the box office and cultural conversation in its third week in theaters. The Marvel movie loomed large at the Oscars as well - cast members were greeted with cheers on the red carpet and host Jimmy Kimmel mentioned it twice during his opening monologue. ("Imagine a country with a black leader. Wouldn't that be swell?")
"Black Panther" wouldn't be eligible for the Oscars for another year, but many in Hollywood already believed it could capitalize on that remarkable reception to become the first superhero movie ever nominated for best picture.
The title became a prime "get" for awards consultants. Disney ended up hiring veteran Oscar strategist Cynthia
