The Barbie movie, a cinematic sensation, has sparked discussions across Hollywood with its eight Academy Award nominations. Despite the film’s recognition, the exclusion of director Greta Gerwig and star Margot Robbie from the nominations list has prompted reactions from co-stars Ryan Gosling and Simu Liu, highlighting the nuances of award season.
Ryan Gosling’s Statement: A Tribute to Gerwig and Robbie
Ryan Gosling, who received a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of Ken, expressed his gratitude but also his disappointment at the oversight of Gerwig and Robbie. “There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie,” Gosling stated, emphasizing their integral roles in the film’s success. He further added, “No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit, and genius. To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”
Simu Liu’s Support for Gerwig and Robbie
Echoing Gosling’s sentiments, co-star Simu Liu lauded the contributions of Gerwig and Robbie, saying, “They deserve everything because they ARE everything.” Liu’s statement reflects a growing sentiment in Hollywood about the need for recognizing the driving forces behind a film’s success.
Being involved in a small way gave me a window into just how hard Greta and Margot had to fight to get Barbie made, and how flawlessly they executed. Together they started a movement, touched the world and reinvigorated the cinema.
They deserve everything. They ARE everything.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) January 24, 2024
Barbie’s Recognition at the Oscars
Despite the controversy, “Barbie” has garnered significant recognition, including a nomination for America Ferrera as Best Supporting Actress. The movie also received nominations for Best Original Songs (“I’m Just Ken” and “What Was I Made For?”), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Achievement in Costume Design, Best Achievement in Production Design, and Best Picture.
Oscar Nominations Overview and Where to Watch
With “Oppenheimer” leading with 13 nominations, the Oscars promise to be a night of high stakes and celebrations. The winners will be revealed at the awards show on March 10. For those interested in the full list of categories and nominees, and insights on where to watch this year’s Oscar-nominated movies, resources like GameSpot offer comprehensive rundowns.
The discourse surrounding the Barbie movie’s Oscar nominations underscores the complexities of recognition in the film industry. While the movie’s achievements are laudable, the conversations sparked by the absence of nominations for key contributors like Gerwig and Robbie highlight ongoing discussions about the criteria and fairness of award selections. As the Oscars approach, the Barbie movie remains a focal point of both acclaim and debate in Hollywood’s award season narrative.