'Wonder Woman' Campaigns for the Oscars, and She May Have a Chance at Winning!

Everyone can agree that Wonder Woman broke ground this year in cinema. The superhero film dominated the box office and shattered sexist stereotypes with its female-driven hero and director. So, it's no wonder that Warner Bros Studios is campaigning for Wonder Woman to be nominated for some Academy awards. Variety reported that the movie has entered in the Oscar ring for several categories, including Best Picture and Best Director for Patty Jenkins. Comic book movies are usually (and unfairly) over looked at the Oscars, but Wonder Woman may have a chance this time.

Why's that?

Wonder Woman is not just a good comic book movie, it's a good movie in general. It's not the first comic book movie accomplish that, however. The Dark Knight was also an overall great film, and got a posthumous Best Supporting Actor award for Heath Ledger. Wonder Woman was certified fresh on Rotten Tomatoes, which is the first DC film to do so since The Dark Knight Rises. What's great is that the Academy is finally taking notice of the fact that superhero films can be works of art. Heath Ledger's nominee was a baby step in that direction.

Of course, the Academy was not known for its youthful and diverse members until just recently. This can help Wonder Woman to not be outshine by traditional Oscar baits, such as The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game.

In fact, if the Academy is smart, they will know how important it is to nominate Wonder Woman for Best Picture. This year, Hollywood has been plagued with many accusations of sexual misconduct/harassment towards women in the industry. A female superhero is exactly what our society needs. A win for Wonder Woman, would be a win for all women.

Could Patty Jenkins Win Best Director

Warner Bros Studios is also pining for the Best Director nominee to go to Patty Jenkins. If she wins, Patty would be the first female director to do so since Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker in 2010. This could make up for her Golden Globes snub that led to an online petition. Patty is also known for directing the film Monster which gave Charlize Theron a Best Actress award for her role as serial killer Aileen Wuornos. So, even with Wonder Woman, Patty Jenkins has the reputation and credentials to win Best Director sooner or later. Regardless, her work on the female superhero film has garnered praise for "use of warmth and humor to torpedo sexist narratives." She is partly responsible for giving respect and recognition to women in the world.

What does this mean for comic book movies and the Oscars?

If Wonder Woman wins Best Picture, or any major Oscar for that matter, it gives hope to future superhero films. It would be the first time a comic book movie secures a Best Picture nomination and win. Our Amazonian warrior, however, is not the only one eyeing Oscar gold. The X-Men solo film Logan, which was critically acclaimed, is also hoping that Patrick Stewart will get a win. These blockbusters could break the mold of what a Oscar-winning film is supposed to be. It doesn't need to be a glossy drama or period piece, or even a quirky indie film. Big budget mainstream movies deserve just as much of a chance as any other. Luckily, it appears that the Oscars may open their minds to that.

Do you think Wonder Woman should get an Oscar?