Anthony Mackie, the newly appointed Captain America, has opened up about his feelings regarding the lack of recognition he has received at major award shows throughout his career. The 46-year-old actor believes that his extensive body of work includes performances worthy of prestigious accolades, yet he has often been overlooked.
In particular, Mackie is confident that his new role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is deserving of top-tier recognition. He even went as far as to call his portrayal of Captain America an Oscar-worthy performance.
The actor admitted that award season always makes him anxious, given his past experiences with being passed over. “It’s always a pivotal time for me when awards season arrives because I know I’ve delivered at least four performances that were worthy of nominations — whether for a Golden Globe, an Oscar, or an Emmy,” Mackie shared in an interview with Esquire.
For him, stepping into the shoes of the iconic Marvel superhero is not just another role—it’s a moment of long-awaited recognition. “Captain America is my Oscar, because I’ve been overlooked so many times in my career,” he added, emphasizing how significant this role is to him.
Mackie officially takes on the mantle of Captain America in the upcoming MCU film Captain America: Brave New World, a role previously played by Chris Evans. Evans, who portrayed the character with immense success, has confirmed his retirement from the franchise, stating that he has no plans to reprise his role as Steve Rogers.
Meanwhile, anticipation for the new Captain America installment is growing, with the action-packed superhero film set to hit theaters on February 14, 2025. While Evans has stepped away from the role, there are ongoing speculations that he might make a surprise cameo in the film, adding to the excitement surrounding its release.
With this major role in his hands, Mackie hopes that his portrayal of Captain America will finally bring him the recognition he has long deserved in Hollywood.