Oscar movie season is upon us! From now until Christmastime, we’re going to be treated to what Hollywood thinks are their best movie offerings of the year. And while I’m certain that there will be some really solid contenders, let’s consider some of the really out-of-left field nominees. And by that, I mean what if this summer’s blockbuster hit A Minecraft Movie was nominated in some of the bigger categories like Best Director, Best Actor, Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Song? While those are all unlikely scenarios, Warner Bros. has officially submitted A Minecraft Movie into several categories for Oscars voters’ considerations.
What started as internet bait is now a full-blown Oscar campaign. Warner Bros. has officially launched the summer hit A Minecraft Movie into the awards season arena, and they’re not holding back. And while some of the For Your Consideration submissions might seem like a joke, one category is completely serious and a real possibility for the 2025 movie release.
If you thought this was just a PR stunt to ride summer box office momentum, think again. According to Warner Bros.’ full For Your Consideration slate, the live-action adaptation of the sandbox video game is up for 15 Oscar categories, including some heavy-hitters like Best Director (Jared Hess), Best Adapted Screenplay, and a laundry list of acting nods. Yes, Jason Momoa is submitted for Supporting Actor. Yes, the delightful Jennifer Coolidge is in for Supporting Actress. And yes, Jack Black is coming for that little gold man.
I don’t think A Minecraft Movie has any chance of getting one of the big acting/directing/writing award nominations. That said, I freaking love that they’re shooting their shot and submitting themselves for consideration anyway. You lose 100% of the shots you don’t take, you know. It’s a fun movie, but not a theatrical masterpiece by any means, and this is coming from someone who thinks National Treasure and White House Down are modern masterpieces. I totally think they should have Jack Black singing “Steve’s Lava Chicken” on stage anyway. It’ll get the kids to tune in…or at least, it’ll get them to stream it on YouTube in the weeks following the ceremony. When The Super Mario Brothers Movie came out, Jack Black’s Bowser singing “Peaches” was everywhere in adolescent spaces. The Oscars missed out on the chance to engage with younger audiences then, but they can make up for it now. “Peaches” walked so “Steve’s Lava Chicken” could run.
In other A Minecraft Movie news, the sequel is still happening. The official social media accounts announced a few weeks ago that it will be out in theaters on July 23, 2027.
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- Danielle Brooks attends “A Minecraft Movie” World Premiere at Cineworld Leicester Square in London, England. UK. Sunday 30th March 2025.,Image: 981598731, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: NORESTRICTIONS, Model Release: no, Pictured: A Minecraft Movie – World Premie, Credit line: James Warren/Bang Showbiz/Avalon
photos credit: James Shaw/Avalon, James Warren/Bang Showbiz/Avalon and via YouTube
so while I didn’t think the movie was amazing (it was no Jumanji, one that we watch on a regular basis in our house), it was pretty good and I thought they did a fun job bringing the video game to life.
But in general I don’t hate the idea of an Oscar campaign for it. the oscars take themselves way too seriously sometimes. Movies can be fun and box office successes and fairly kid friendly and still be oscar worthy (and not just as animated movies.) lets celebrate that creativity just as much as the more serious drama heavy hitters.
I was waiting outside the cinema for this one but left because of rowdy kids.
La-la-la-lava! Cha-cha-cha-chicken!
While it is not always necessary to go high-brow it seems like the alternative is lowest common denominator.
I would give Jack Black an Oscar for every and any movie he’s ever done. I would retroactively give him an Oscar for School of Rock. Even Margot at the Wedding.
The craft just doesn’t get any better.