The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that the 86th Academy Awards will be a “celebration” of movie heroes, including heroes based on real life people, “popular heroes,” animated heroes, and yes, super heroes. Most importantly super heroes, right?

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Actually, even more importantly, Batman.“We wanted to unify the show with an entertaining and emotional theme,” said producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. “People around the world go to the movies to be inspired by the characters they see on the screen. By celebrating the gamut of heroes who have enriched our movie-going experience, we hope to create an evening of fun and joy. And that includes the filmmakers and actors who take risks and stimulate us with provocative subjects and daring characters. They are all heroes in the cinematic landscape."But especially Batman.Ellen DeGeneres will host the show when it airs on Sunday, March 2. The Academy will also present “The Oscars Celebrates Movie Heroes,” an exhibition in its Beverly Hills headquarters which most of you reading (and me writing) will never get the chance to see. The exhibit will feature photos, posters, and videos from films like Gandhi, Silkwood, Superman, Shrek, The Incredibles, Seven Samurai, Gladiator, To Kill a Mockingbird, The Grapes of Wrath, and more. And yes, Batman.The Oscar nominations will be announced this Thursday. Batman won’t be there, but Thor will.Via Oscars.org

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