Joe Russo, one half of the Russo Brothers directing duo known for their work in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), has ignited a debate by suggesting that Harvey Weinstein's influence is to blame for the Oscars' reluctance to recognize superhero and big-budget films. Russo's claim has sparked mixed reactions from fans and industry observers alike, prompting a re-examination of the relationship between mainstream cinema, awards recognition, and the legacy of the disgraced producer.

In a recent interview with The Sunday Times, Russo stated that Weinstein, the convicted s*x offender, had "vilified mainstream movies to champion the art films he pushed for Oscar campaigns." He argued that this shift in perception, allegedly orchestrated by Weinstein, has affected how audiences view the Oscars, as they often haven't seen most of the movies nominated. Russo further lamented the divisiveness in the film space, where "things we should all be enjoying collectively, we instead punch each other in the face over."

Russo's comments have drawn both support and criticism. Some fans agreed that Weinstein's aggressive promotion of art films might have influenced the Academy's preferences, while others pointed out that big-budget films like "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" have recently received significant awards recognition. Several fans also noted that "Black Panther" and its sequel were also successful during the awards season. Critics also reminded Russo of the success of Titanic at the Academy Awards.

There's no doubt that Harvey Weinstein had a significant impact on Hollywood cinema, particularly from the 1980s to the early 2010s. His production and distribution companies, Miramax Films and The Weinstein Company, reshaped independent filmmaking and awards season strategies. Miramax brought independent films into the mainstream, supporting directors like Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, and Kevin Smith. Iconic indie films like "Pulp Fiction" and "Clerks" became huge box office hits. Harvey Weinstein was known for aggressive Oscar campaigns, helping smaller films win big. Films like "Shakespeare in Love" and "The King’s Speech" reportedly won Best Picture Oscars due to his lobbying tactics. He backed international films and revived interest in historical epics and period dramas.

Despite the controversy, Russo defended Marvel movies, arguing that they have been "keeping cinemas open for quite a long time." He also expressed concern about declining profits and the threat posed by AI, adding that the film space has become increasingly divisive.

As for the Russo Brothers, they are set to return to the MCU to direct the upcoming Avengers movies, "Doomsday" and "Secret Wars."