Do we have a surprising latecomer to the awards race? Sony Pictures released the animated featureSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versein theaters last weekend to immense critical acclaim, solid box office, and pristine A+ CinemaScore from audiences, and now the film has taken a surprising awards honor from a critics group. Indeed, theUtah Film Critics’ AssociationnamedSpider-Man: Into the Spider-Versethe Best Film of 2018, withROMAserving as the runner-up. Not only that, butInto the Spider-Versealso won Best Animated Feature and Best Adapted Screenplay forPhil LordandRodney Rothman’s phenomenal, wildly original script.
While other animated films likeIncredibles 2andRalph Breaks the Internetscored positive reviews this year, the tone of the reaction toSpider-Verseis unique.A lotof critics are saying it’s not just the year’s best animated film, it’s one of the best superhero films ever made and the best Spider-Man movie period. That’s a heck of a lot of praise, and this is one critically acclaimed feature that appears to be meeting (or exceeding) these high expectations for moviegoers.
So could the Utah Film Critics Association Award be a sign of things to come? Is it crazy to thinkInto the Spider-Versemight earn a Best Picture Oscar nomination? Not exactly, although there’s reason to be cautious. Since the Best Picture nomination field was expanded to up to 10 nominees, only one animated feature has scored a nomination, and that wasToy Story 3back in 2010. Even the critically acclaimed Pixar masterworkInside Outdidn’t crack the category, and you’ll also recall that the Best Animated Feature voting branch notoriously snubbed Phil Lord andChris Miller’sThe LEGO Moviefrom even landing a nomination despite it being the presumed frontrunner to win.
However, the Academy voting body has changed significantly over the last few years, andInto the Spider-Verseis positively crackling with originality—something the Oscars would love to recognize, you’d think. So while I’d caution it’s pretty late in the game,the Best Picture category is already pretty stacked, and there may still be a bit of superhero stigma to overcome, I’d also say a movie about a lady falling in love with a Fish Man won Best Picture last year. The Academy’s demographic is no longer soley old crusty white dudes, and challenging and original filmmaking is started to make more of a mark (see also:Get Out,Lady Bird). So never say never.
For now, kudos to the Utah Film Critics Association for thinking outside the box. And regardless of whetherSpider-Versereceives deserved awards recognition, the still film stands as a towering achievement.
