Disney pushes Endgame Oscar campaign for Robert Downey Jr. after all

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

You hear that sound? That's the sound of dozens of studios gearing up for Awards Season.

As we draw closer to the end of 2019, a number of Oscar contenders into including MARRIAGE STORY, THE IRISHMAN, and A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD are all about to enter the gold statue race. Late Fall is typically a prime slot for Oscar hopefuls as the films are fresh in voters' minds. However, Disney is hoping voters won't forget about a little Marvel indie film titled AVENGERS: ENDGAME that came out earlier this year. The House of Mouse has revised their "For Your Consideration" page on their official website and there's a key new edition: Robert Downey Jr.

As you may recall, Downey previously stated he had no interest in Disney launching an Oscar campaign for his role as Tony Stark/Ironman in ENDGAME. While Disney initially respected Downey's wishes, it appears that either Downey changed his mind, Disney did, or both. Disney Studios' FYC page now prominently lists Robert Downey Jr. as an actor to consider in the Best Supporting Actor category. In addition, Disney listed seven other actors to consider in the same category including Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Josh Brolin, Paul Rudd, and Don Cheadle.

It appears as though Disney is also strongly pushing the film in other categories including picture, direction, adapted screenplay, cinematography, and score. That last is huge in my opinion as I believe Alan Silvestri's was one of the best of the year.

Although the talented actor portrayed Tony Stark ten previous times before ENDGAME, I'd argue that Robert Downey Jr.'s performance this last go 'round was his most nuanced and emotional. Although it was a true ensemble cast with no real lead, RDJ had the most screen time of all his cast members. I felt that his story carried the most emotional depth to it so it makes sense he's at the top of the list for Disney. I just wonder what exactly changed in the last month.

If Robert Downey Jr. does score an Oscar nomination, it will mark the actor's third overall.. He was previously nominated for 1992's CHAPLIN and for 2008's TROPIC THUNDER.

What say you guys? Do you think RDJ's performance in ENDGAME warrants an Oscar nomination? Will the film become just the second comic book movie to score a nomination for Best Picture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.