Raking in over $1 billion at the global box office, becoming not only the highest grossing film in Warner Bros history, but the highest grossing film ever made by a woman, it cannot be doubted that Barbie was tremendously successful this summer. The creators made a film that viewers adored, scoring an impressive audience score of 88% on Rotten Tomatoes. The high ratings and records broken makes it needless to say that both Gerwig and Robbie were robbed from nominations for Best Director and Best Actress this year.
Audiences clearly felt the shock of the nomination snubs, causing outrage and controversy online. Ryan Gosling, who received a nomination for his role as “Ken”, responded to this. Issued in a statement, he said, "there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie Movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film."
Whilst co-stars Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera both received nominations for their roles, it is truly shocking that Robbie’s performance did not garner the same recognition.
Whilst Barbie did receive 8 nominations for the 2024 Oscars overall, the film, as Gosling states, could not have happened without Gerwig and Robbie. By making such a female-oriented, anti-patriarchal movie, both creators brought something original and different to cinema this year. They introduced important themes of inequality, highlighting issues that are rarely touched upon in film, and did so in a way that was evidentially successful all-round.
If Barbie was so unique and outstanding, what could be the reason for Gerwig’s nomination robbery? Given the history of the Oscars, could sexism be at play? Last year, no women were nominated in the Best Director category, whilst this year Justine Triet increased this number to one. Whilst it is difficult to say if sexism could be the reason, it does seem quite ironic given Barbie’s feminist themes and messages.
As for Robbie, it feels her performance was overlooked. Whilst co-stars Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera both received nominations for their roles, it is truly shocking that Robbie’s performance did not garner the same recognition. Her portrayal throughout was humorous, natural, emotional and, overall, outstanding. It is truly disappointing that she failed to be acknowledged alongside such great actors.
Despite the nomination robberies, Robbie remains proud of the film. Recently, she broke her silence about the controversy stating, “We set out to do something that would shift culture, affect culture, just make some sort of impact, and it's already done that and some, way more than we ever dreamed it would. And that is truly the biggest reward that could come out of all of this”.
It is undeniably upsetting that Gerwig and Robbie will not receive the recognition they deserve at the 2024 Oscars. However, their lack of nominations does not disregard the fact that Barbie was an important, impactful piece of cinema that will continue to be praised and highly respected by many in years to come.
