Following Barbie’s surprising success at the box office, coupled with its favorable reception among critics for its unconventional take on patriarchy, expectations were high for the film’s performance at the Oscars, the pinnacle of Hollywood’s award season.
However, despite its notable accomplishments, Barbie found itself overlooked in key categories at the Oscar nominations, notably excluding director Greta Gerwig and lead actress Margot Robbie, who were instrumental in the film’s acclaim.
Conversely, supporting actors Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera received nominations for their roles, sparking considerable backlash online. Many fans interpreted Gosling’s nomination over Robbie as echoing the film’s thematic narrative, fueling further controversy.
In response to the Oscar snub, Margot Robbie voiced her disappointment, joined by veteran actor Robert Downey Jr., who criticized the Academy’s decision, emphasizing Robbie’s overlooked contributions.
During discussions with Sterling K. Brown and William Dafoe regarding the SAG-AFTRA nominees, Downey expressed his belief that Robbie deserved more recognition for her performance.
The omission of Margot Robbie from the Oscars nominations was widely regarded as a significant surprise of the year, drawing commentary from various celebrities, including co-stars Gosling and Ferrera, Whoopi Goldberg, and former US First Lady Hillary Clinton.
Robert Downey Jr., himself a nominee for his role in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, highlighted the importance of Robbie’s presence in pivotal scenes, commending her for her attentive portrayal.
Margot Robbie responded positively to the snub, emphasizing the collective effort behind Barbie’s achievements rather than focusing on individual recognition.
