February 2, 2024/12 a.m.
Erie Pa., –On January 23, the 96th annual Academy Awards announced its 2024 nominations, sparking outcry as Barbie lost two important nominations.
Last summer’s biggest blockbuster received eight nominations, including best picture and best adapted screenplay. However, Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie were not nominated for best director and best actor, respectively.
Despite its record-breaking financial success with a total of 1.45 billion U.S. dollars (according to Statista), two important members of the film were both shut out.
“To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement,” Ryan Gosling shares his disappointment toward this surprising snub.
The snub has resurfaced questions about potential gender bias in the movie industry. Before the Oscars, Gerwig had earned best director nominations from the Golden Globes and the Directors Guild of America. These wins could have guaranteed her a nod from the academy as she had scored a nomination for her solo debut with “Lady Bird” six years ago.
The New York Times explains the probable reason for the snub as came from the directors’ branch, which has historically leaned towards rejecting mainstream studio fare. Additionally, the Academy’s increasing international representation may have impacted the nominations, with three European directors among this year’s nominees.
For Barbie fans, the snub appears as a bitterly ironic plot twist. “You (the Academy) literally proved [the Barbie movie’s] point,” said one commenter on the Academy’s Instagram post.
Love it or hate it, “Barbie” has broken records as one of the most successful movies directed by a woman. In addition to its undeniable financial success, the movie has sparked several conversations about sexism and patriarchy. From a business perspective, the movie plays a key role in reviving the industry after a dreary post-pandemic season.
Despite the setback, Gerwig’s film secured a nomination for best picture, making her the first filmmaker to have all three solo features nominated in this category. The sympathy from the snub might also boost her chances in other categories, particularly best adapted screenplay.
