In January, WandaVision kicked off a new era for Marvel Studios. It not only started off Phase 4 with a reality-altering bang but it also served as the MCU's first venture into the world of television.
While the argument remains fierce whether Agents of SHIELD and other Marvel TV series are canon, it appears as if the Elizabeth Olsen-led sitcom is the first to really impact the greater cinematic universe.
Since then, the studio has seen great success in the world of streaming as both The Falcon and the Winter Soldier and Loki continued to break viewership records. All three series have already received high praise and critical acclaim for their excellent storytelling, a theme that appears ongoing as awards season gets underway.
Following the recent reveal of the 73rd Primetime Emmy Award nominations, an event that recognizes achievement in television, Marvel Studios earned itself plenty of notable mentions.
WandaVision led the pack with 23 nominations, while The Falcon and the Winter Soldier picked up five, something the series' stars have shared great excitement over.
WANDAVISION CAST REACT TO EMMY NOMINATIONS
In a series of statements published by Variety, WandaVision stars Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany reacted to their newly announced Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress and Actor in a Limited Series, respectively.
The Scarlet Witch actress shared that she is “really proud” of the team behind the “crazy show” in which they had a “great time together” producing. Olsen revealed her surprise and excitement to see the series “recognized on this level” after “the response that it had” already among fans:
“I’m just really proud of us! It was a crazy show, and I’m sure everyone feels that way at the end of every job. We had a great time together making our show, and for it to even have had the response that it had was enough, and then to be recognized on this level is very surprising and exciting.”
The actress described that it “just felt perfect” for Marvel to “enter television by creating a love song to television” in WandaVision. While she described making the series as “so challenging,” it was still “one of the most fun jobs she's ever had” as it left her thinking, “Oh maybe I should be a sitcom actor:”
“For Marvel to enter television by creating a love song to television just felt perfect. It was so challenging but such a joy, it was really one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had because of these sitcoms through the decades. It made me realize, “Oh maybe I should be a sitcom actor, what am I doing with all these dramas?”
Responding to his own nomination, Paul Bettany described it as “fantastic news to wake up to this morning.” The Vision actor told Variety he is “deeply honored” to be nominated for what was “a dream role for [him].”
Funnily enough, WandaVision wasn't Bettany's only project to be recognized by the Academy as Uncle Frank, a film the actor appeared in last year, was nominated for Outstanding Television Movie:
“What fantastic news to wake up to this morning! I’m deeply honored to have been nominated for what was a dream role for me, and I’m thrilled for all of my ‘WandaVision’ family for the love they received from the Academy. And then to see Uncle Frank get recognized as well makes this the happiest of mornings.”
WILL BETTANY AND OLSEN TAKE HOME EMMYS?
While The Falcon and the Winter Soldier left the nominations with only five opportunities to take home an Emmy, WandaVision certainly carried the load for Marvel Studios as it saw recognition in 23 areas including Outstanding Limited Series.
Given the insane number of nominations garnered by the sitcom-inspired Marvel series, it's bound to take home several awards. Both stars delivered superb performances in WandaVision, but the competition in their categories will make it a tough battle for both MCU veterans.
Elizabeth Olsen will go head-to-head with Kate Winslet, Michaela Coel, Cynthia Erivo, and The Queen's Gambit's Anya Taylor-Joy. Meanwhile, Bettany will compete against Hugh Grant, Ewan McGregor, and Disney+ Hamilton stars Lin-Manuel Miranda and Leslie Odom, Jr.
Between WandaVision and Hamilton, Disney+ holds three of the five nominations within the Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie category, making the chances high that the streaming service will take home the award.
The 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards will air on CBS and Paramount+ on September 19, 2021.
