Public sentiment has shifted, with many believing that Oscar winners do not reflect general audience opinions, a debate intensified since the rise of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

He attributes the lack of awards recognition for blockbuster films, including those from the Marvel franchise, to Weinstein's campaigning strategies that emerged in the mid-1990s.

Russo noted that this shift has contributed to a disconnect between audiences and Oscar-nominated films, leading to a complicated view of cinema appreciation.

A 2022 Wall Street Journal poll revealed that over half of respondents had not seen any Best Picture nominees, highlighting this disconnect.

Russo's remarks underscore ongoing debates about the recognition of blockbuster films in prestigious award categories.

In a recent interview, Joe Russo discussed the evolving landscape of cinema and the significant influence of figures like Harvey Weinstein on the Academy Awards.

The conversation also referenced Martin Scorsese's opinion that superhero movies lack the emotional depth typical of Oscar-worthy films.

Despite their commercial success, Russo's films have yet to win Oscars, illustrating the gap between box office performance and critical acclaim.

He defends Marvel films, arguing they have been crucial in keeping cinemas afloat, countering claims that they harm the industry.

Russo claims that Weinstein 'vilified mainstream movies' to promote art films for Oscar campaigns, which has altered audience perceptions of the awards.

The film industry has seen a dramatic shift, with modern blockbusters often exceeding production budgets of $300 million, contrasting with the more modest hits of the past.

Social media backlash followed Russo's claims, with users pointing to successful blockbusters like 'Oppenheimer' and 'The Lord of the Rings' that have received Academy recognition.