"Tell me something, what do you know about Wakanda?"
In an Oscars first, a superhero film is in the running for best picture.
"My son, it is your time."
Disney and Marvel Studios' blockbuster hit "Black Panther" was nominated for seven Academy Awards Tuesday, including best costume design, best original score and best production design. The nominations are already a big win for Marvel, which only has 10 previous Oscar nominations.
While the Oscar best picture nod is a major first for the studio, it wasn't too unexpected. As the Los Angeles Times Points out, Disney made a major push to have "Black Panther" recognized during award season. The media giant hired Oscar strategist Cynthia Swartz to campaign for best picture, and — in a rare move for Marvel Studios — its president Kevin Feige backed an award season budget.
The movie's nomination could also help boost viewership for the 91st Academy Awards. The televised ceremony saw record-low ratings last year. And the Oscars recently decided to go without a host after Kevin Hart dropped out following criticism for old homophobic tweets and jokes he made almost a decade ago.
The Oscars will air Feb. 24 on ABC.
