UCSB Professor highlights importance of “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” amidst Oscar nominations

ISLA VISTA, Calif. — “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” has received five Oscar nominations for costume design, visual effects, original song, supporting actress, and makeup and hairstyling.

UCSB Professor Gerardo Aldana, who lent his expertise as a cultural consultant for the film, shared how this film transcends what an Oscar worthy film should look like by shedding light on important themes involving communities of color within the context of a superhero film.

We talked to Professor Aldana about various themes including the very real concept of communities of color being pitted against each other, what it means to be an outsider, and representation in cinema.

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