Black Panther - 7 nominations

Best Picture - Kevin Feige
Costume Design - Ruth Carter
Original Score - Ludwig Goransson
Original Song "All the Stars" - Music by Mark Spears, Kendrick Lamar Duckworth and Anthony Tiffith; Lyric by Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, Anthony Tiffith and Solana Rowe
Production Design - Hannah Beachler (Production Design); Jay Hart (Set Decoration)
Sound Editing - Benjamin A. Burtt and Steve Boeddeker
Sound Mixing - Steve Boeddeker, Brandon Proctor and Peter Devlin  

After the death of his father, Prince T'challa assumes the throne while fending off would-be usurpers from surrounding tribes.  Wakanda is the home of technological advances and wealth unknown to the rest of the world.  It is a land where women warriors protect the kingdom.   

Prince T'challa's genius scientist sister is developing inventions in every realm including impressive medical procedures and tools, life saving technology, and mind blowing weaponry.  Complicating matters, the prince's cousin Killmonger has come to take over Wakanda with a challenge to the throne and family and friends divide their loyalties between the two opposing leaders.  A central question dividing the realm - should Wakanda share its vast resources with the world, or should they maintain a policy of "Wakanda First?"  One thing is clear, even with all of his super powers, the Prince can't succeed without some very powerful friends (spoiler alert: it's the Avengers).  

For those following the blog over the years, you already know that I'm a sucker for all things Marvel.  But this film WAS as special as everyone says.  It was exciting, it was engaging, it was an edge of the seat thrill ride.  But it was also visually magnificent both in production design and particularly with the costumes.  And, if you've been reading the blog, you know that the sound categories often go to three kinds of genres: war films, musicals, and high intensity visual effects movies.  Given that this film is both a war and visual effects film, both categories were sure to pop up.

The original song wasn't my favorite of the category, but you can listen to it below.  (If you are reading this because you've subscribed, I've included a link as videos won't embed in the email version of the blog.)

It is rare for a popular film, and a superhero film at that, to achieve the artistry required for Oscar noms in major categories.  Movies like Black Panther mostly land in the technical categories (and you will see that to be true in future blogs, particularly once we hit the visual effects category.)  To be nominated for Best Picture - I just can't recall another of its kind to have achieved what Black Panther did this year.  Is it worthy of Best Picture?  Maybe, maybe not.  Is it worthy of a watch?  Wakanda forever, baby.

Link to the song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQbjS0_ZfJ0

Sample of the incredible costumes: