My usual morning Instagram scroll was interrupted on Jan. 23 by a People Magazine headline that made my Barbie-loving heart stop.
“America Ferrera Reacts to Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s Oscars Snubs for “Barbie”: ‘Incredibly Disappointed.’”
What? How did arguably the most influential women of the year not get nominated for an Oscar?
I immediately clicked the link in People’s bio and read the truly horrifying truth that the “Barbie” lead actress and director — Robbie and Gerwig — were robbed in this year’s Oscar nominations.
“Barbie” was the highest grossing movie of 2023 earning $636,225,983, according to Box Office Mojo. This outstanding outcome wouldn’t have been possible without the movie’s director and the lead role. Gerwig and Robbie deserve the credit and recognition of reintroducing “Barbie” to a new generation with a tear-jerking twist on the struggles women face.
The fact that the director of the highest grossing film of 2023 wasn’t nominated this year is a crime — there’s no “Barbie” without Gerwig.
Yet, there’s also no “Barbie” without Robbie. Robbie brought my childhood toy to life in a way my now 17-year-old self can maturely appreciate. Her portrayal of a doll with the emotional layers of an actual human is what should’ve won her an Oscar nomination.
Not only did Robbie play the role of Barbie, she was also the executive producer of the film. According to Vogue, Robbie hadn’t even thought of playing the lead role for years of developing the project.
Additionally, the omission of Gerwig and Robbie proves the entire message of the movie — women are often overlooked.
How iron
Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken in the movie, was nominated for best supporting actor along with his song “I’m Just Ken.” The song says it in the name — he’s just ken.
I truly believe that Gosling deserves the nomination. Gosling’s comedic timing and hilarious dance montages brought an entertaining spin on the classic Ken doll, but Ken would be nothing without Barbie.
Gosling was so disappointed with the Academy’s decision that he took his thoughts to the media to make a statement to the Los Angeles Times:
“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. 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.”
Couldn’t have said it better myself, Ryan.
By not acknowledging Robbie and Gerwig’s essential work on this innovative film, the Academy is exhibiting some of the patriarchal and sexist behaviors that are made fun of in the movie.
While I’m happy for Gosling and fellow “Barbie” actress America Ferrera for their Oscar nominations, Robbie and Gerwig deserved to bring an award back to Barbie Land.
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