Avengers: Endgame co-director Joe Russo says he is happy that Todd Phillips-directed Joker could make it to the top categories at the 2020 Oscars, rising above the "stigma" attached with the superhero genre.

"Joker, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the titular DC supervillain, is leading Academy Awards nominations with 11 nods, while Endgame is nominated for a visual effects. Calling the film a "beautiful piece of filmmaking", Russo said the movie is dark and disturbing but has an important message at its core.