While normalcy was the goal for most of Hollywood this year, the same can't be said for Marvel Studios. In 2021, the studio dove headfirst into series storytelling on Disney+ with not one but five short series coupled with three theatrical films and Spider-Man: No Way Home still on the way. These efforts and their quality haven't gone unnoticed, particularly in terms of Marvel's debut Disney+ series - WandaVision - which is now leading the MCU back into the awards conversation.
Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, WandaVision starring Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany was a mysterious, decade-hopping homage to television sitcoms that further fleshed out its characters but also explored themes like grief.
The show became a phenomenon throughout its 9-episode run, not only paving the way for the studio's upcoming slate of Disney+ series but also gaining the attention of critics and now new award nominations.
Marvel's WandaVision Cast Nominated for Golden Globes
As reported by Variety, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association has revealed the nominations for the 79th Annual Golden Globes and the stars of Marvel's debut Disney+ series are among the nominees.
Elizabeth Olsen who played Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch in WandaVision has been nominated for Best Actress in a Limited Series, while Paul Bettany who played Vision has been nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series.
Earlier this year, both Olsen and Bettany received Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress and Actor in a Limited Series, respectively, and the show's breakout song secured Marvel's first Emmy win, as well as an announced spin-off starring Kathryn Hahn's Agatha Harkness.
While Paul Bettany's future within the MCU is currently unknown, Elizabeth Olsen is set to reprise her role as the Scarlet Witch in 2022's Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
Hollywood's New "Vision" of the MCU?
To date, Marvel's Black Panther is the only other project to have been nominated for a Golden Globe. In 2018, the breakout film was nominated for Best Motion Picture Drama, Best Original Song, Best Original Score but failed to win in any of these categories.
While a nomination alone in the limited series category is an accomplishment for Marvel Studios, a win for Olsen, Bettany, or both wouldn't just be historic but a significant step forward for the studio and comic book movie genre, which is typically overlooked during the awards season.
Despite driving the box office, some Hollywood directors have spoken against Marvel and superhero movies, including Dune's Denis Villeneuve who referred to the films as "cut and paste."
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige addressed this bias in terms of Marvel's lack of recognition from the Academy, saying that the MCU is "always at a deficit because of the Marvel logo."
However, considering WandaVision's critical reception, it's possible that the series cast could play a major role in changing the awards conversation towards Marvel projects. Still, a win won't be easy for either Marvel star.
In addition to Elizabeth Olsen competing against Jessica Chastain for Scenes from a Marriage and Kate Winslet for Mare of Easttown, Paul Bettany is sharing the category with fellow Marvel actors Michael Keaton for Dopesick and Oscar Issac for Scenes From a Marriage, as well as Star Wars star Ewan McGregor for Halston and more.
All episodes of WandaVision are available to stream on Disney+.
