10 Superhero Movie Performances That Were Totally Oscar-Worthy

Up until very recently, superhero movies were never considered for Oscar nominations, at least not for personnel. Make-up and special effects were eligible for the nod (Suicide Squad even nabbed an Oscar), but direction, writing and acting had odds at pretty much zero.

This year, Black Panther got some more recognition, but because we can’t have nice things large swathes of the internet decided this was down to reverse racism, not because of brilliant acting and a timely subtext. Even that though didn’t get any nominations for individual performances, and that’s a trend which has gone on far too long.

Heath Ledger is, of course, the exception that proves the rule, winning for his mesmerising turn as Joker in The Dark Knight. However, the fact this win is still so clearly remembered is testament to the fact that comic book audiences are so starved of major awards.

Clearly, three to five major movies a year with A list casts and stellar budgets make up for that, though.

These performances definitely have more than a little Oscar bait quality to them, and in a less frowned upon genre, could have totally took home the golden statue.

Gal Gadot put in a brilliant performance as Wonder Woman, and while many plaudits were rightly given to director Patty Jenkins, Gadot did her fair share too.

The set pieces were fantastically choreographed, especially No Man’s Land, but there were perhaps too many of them and too few darker character moments for the Academy to take notice. Still, this was definitely a performance worthy of a nomination, especially if you consider outside factors.

The failure of the Fantastic Four movies wasn’t the end for superhero team movies, the cancellation of Brooklyn South didn’t bring cop shows to a grinding halt, and the recent dip in form from Christian Benteke doesn’t mean Belgians can’t play football anymore.

However, any time a female led superhero movie failed, it was because you couldn’t make a superhero movie with girls in the lead.

Thankfully, Gal Gadot helped stamped that myth out, with Brie Larson hot on her tail and Scarlett Johansson set to follow.

Her inner strength, subtle grace and natural wit all shone through this character, with her largely carrying the Justice League movie too. It might not have won an Oscar, but Gal Gadot’s performance may just be one of the most important in superhero history.