John Wick: Chapter 4 Director Thrilled by Oscar Buzz Surrounding Keanu Reeves Sequel: An Impressive Achievement

Article Overview

Lionsgate is pushing for John Wick: Chapter 4 to receive Oscar nominations after its successful box office performance and positive reviews.

Director Chad Stahelski is confident in the exceptional talent of his crew and believes they are worthy of recognition. He is prepared to put them forward in multiple categories to compete with other industry professionals.

While it's uncertain if John Wick: Chapter 4 will secure any awards, its nominations have the potential to open doors for action genre films to gain greater acknowledgement at the prestigious Oscars.

Chad Stahelski, director of John Wick: Chapter 4, responded passionately to the Oscar buzz surrounding the movie as Lionsgate begins its push for major awards. The latest installment in the Keanu Reeves-led franchise has been the most successful so far, earning over $432 million at the box office and receiving outstanding reviews, with a 94% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes. In light of this success, the studio behind the John Wick movies is now aiming for Oscar recognition and has submitted the movie for multiple awards at the Academy Awards.

During an exclusive interview with our website for the movie's awards campaign, Stahelski expressed his thoughts on the Oscar buzz surrounding John Wick: Chapter 4. The director commended Lionsgate's efforts and revealed that he was "impressed" by their push for nominations at the Academy Awards. He also displayed confidence in his crew, stating that he would pit them against any of the competition and firmly believed that they deserve both the win and widespread recognition. Read Stahelski's full statement below:

I was greatly impressed by the dedication of the studios in promoting the film to the Academy members and the public. It's amusing to note that stunts do not have their own Oscar category. In the past, films like Bullitt were only nominated for Best Sound and Best Editing, which seemed to be the default categories for action-packed movies. However, the Academy has been supportive in pushing for change. I believe that in the next two years, we will see the introduction of an Academy Award for stunts. The focus now is on figuring out the logistics rather than the reasons behind it. Despite the stigma surrounding action movies, I take great pride in the talented individuals who work behind the scenes on my films. From my cinematographer to my production designer, sound teams, wardrobe and makeup teams, and stunt teams, I believe they rival the best in the industry. Whether or not people enjoy the story or direction of Chapter Four, I stand by the exceptional work of my team.

In terms of craftsmanship, I am confident and proud of my crew's hard work and dedication. It is important to recognize their contributions, as they put in just as much effort, if not more, than crews in other genres. The studio recognizing their talent and skill in areas such as lighting, editing, and sound is a great feeling. It is a privilege to be able to acknowledge the department heads and share their information with the studio. It is humbling to see their humility and passion for their work. The collaboration between passionate individuals in this industry is what drives us to create something remarkable, something we can be proud of. When others appreciate and recognize the quality of our work, it is a flattering and rewarding experience. Everyone I mentioned, from the editors to the production designer and line producer, all play a crucial role in bringing the film to life. Each person has left their mark, and their absence would have made a significant impact on the final product.

John Wick 4 Can Mark A New Path For The Oscars (Even If It Doesn't Win)

Having received the franchise's highest ratings, it's understandable that Lionsgate is confident in submitting John Wick: Chapter 4 for consideration at the Oscars. However, the film will face tough competition at the awards ceremony, as Margot Robbie-led Barbie and Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer are currently the leading contenders for several awards. Martin Scorsese's recently-released Killers of the Flower Moon is also generating significant Oscars buzz, particularly for Best Director (Scorsese) and Best Actress (Lily Gladstone).

Analyzing the film's individual prospects, it does appear likely that John Wick: Chapter 4 could receive nominations for Best Sound and Best Editing, possibly to the chagrin of director Chad Stahelski. However, there are other possibilities as well. Dan Laustsen, who previously received Oscar nominations for his outstanding cinematography in Guillermo del Toro's The Shape of Water and Nightmare Alley, could earn his third nomination for his beautiful shooting of various action sequences set in Osaka, France, and Berlin. Stahelski himself could also be recognized with a Best Director nomination for his ability to harmonize the ornate cinematography, stylized action, and emotionally rich storytelling in what may be Keanu Reeves' final chapter as John Wick.

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Even if John Wick: Chapter 4 doesn't win any awards, its nomination for an Oscar would signify a new direction for the ceremony when it comes to recognizing action genre films. Stahelski acknowledges that these types of movies usually only receive recognition in a limited number of categories. However, with the Academy's efforts to draw more attention to popular blockbusters through the Oscars Fan Favorite award, and the success of films like Black Panther, Logan, and Get Out in shedding light on overlooked genres, it is possible that the John Wick sequel could pave the way for other action films to receive the same level of recognition.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled to see the buzz surrounding John Wick: Chapter 4 and its potential for Oscar recognition. The action genre has long been overlooked by the Academy, and it's exciting to see a film like John Wick: Chapter 4 receive the attention it deserves.

The film's director, Chad Stahelski, is right to be proud of his crew's hard work and dedication. The action sequences in John Wick: Chapter 4 are some of the best I've ever seen, and they are a testament to the skill and talent of the stunt team, cinematographer, and other crew members. I hope that the Academy will recognize the film's achievements and give it the recognition it deserves.