Barbie’s lack of Oscar nominations
Deciding if Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s Oscar snubs are as big as the internet made them out to beGraphic by Natalie Damer-Salas, Opinions Editor
Shadi Karimifard, Staff Writer
When the 2024 Oscar nominations came out on Jan. 23, it didn’t take long for “Barbie” fans on the internet to point out the lack of nominations for director Greta Gerwig and actress Margot Robbie. When I first heard the news, I was disgusted. How could a movie about taking down the patriarchy not receive award nominations for the two female driving forces behind it?
What I initially failed to recognize, however, was that “Barbie” was nominated for eight Oscar awards. So maybe the Oscars aren’t as anti- “Barbie” as the internet has painted them to be.
While “Barbie” was the perfect movie to watch with my friends over the summer, as school began, the movie’s hype began to fade. Don’t get me wrong, I sing the songs from the movie to this day; I just wouldn’t rewatch it. Many fans fail to notice that although “Barbie” was a good movie, there are many other great movies nominated against the film and its cast.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has nominated Margot Robbie for three Academy Awards in the past, including Best Actress for her leading role in “I, Tonya.” How would it reflect the quality of her work if she won for her performance in “Barbie” but not in her previous leading role? Greta Gerwig has also received nominations for her involvement in other blockbuster films such as “Little Women” and “Lady Bird.”
This year, The Academy nominated Robbie’s co-star, Ryan Gosling who played the character, Ken, for best-supporting actor in “Barbie”. Although honored, Gosling felt that he didn’t deserve the award without the recognition of his co-star. In an interview with CBS News, Gosling acknowledged that Ken would never exist without Barbie and the work of Gerwig and Robbie.
Although many would expect Robbie to be upset, she has only kept her head up and acknowledged the positive effect “Barbie” has had all over the world. Robbie stated to the LA Times that “Barbie” has made a bigger impact than she ever dreamed it could. “Barbie” has changed culture, and Robbie acknowledges this is the biggest reward that she could ask for.
I admire Robbie’s outlook as she acknowledges what she has to be grateful for. Although I am not upset that The Academy did not nominate Robbie for an Oscar, I am confused about Gosling’s nomination. What sets him apart from his female co-star? Or were the other nominations in the Best Supporting Actor category not as strong as those in the Best Actress category?
The internet’s outrage over the lack of Barbie nominations also raises questions. As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rages on and the death toll surpasses 28,000, why are we focusing on two millionaire white women not receiving award nominations? The acts of micro-feminism that the internet chooses to focus on each day oftentimes only support white women and stray away from the feminist movement’s mission. The Academy nominated America Ferrera, who plays the character, Gloria, in the film, for Best Supporting Actress. However, her co-stars’ lack of nomination had overshadowed the Hispanic actress’ nomination.
What did society really learn from the “Barbie” movie? Should we support all women or just those who look like a plastic doll?
