Barbie, the highest-grossing film of 2023, has been the center of attention with its eight nominations for the 2024 Oscars, including the coveted Best Film category.
However, the omission of Greta Gerwig from the directing category and Margot Robbie from the acting categories has sparked controversy and garnered criticism from both celebrities and the public.
The surprising announcement triggered a wave of discontent on social media, with users, Hollywood stars, and various personalities expressing their disappointment.
Even political figure Hillary Clinton weighed in on the situation, acknowledging the film's box office success and the adoration of millions of fans while pointing out its societal relevance in addressing machismo, quoting a line from the film: "They are both more than Kenough."
America Ferrera, nominated for Best Supporting Actress, expressed her disappointment in the absence of Gerwig and Robbie from the main categories. In an interview with Variety, Ferrera praised Gerwig's directorial achievements, transforming a concept with seemingly little inherent value into a global phenomenon. She also lauded Robbie's incredible acting skills, emphasizing how she effortlessly makes everything look easy.
Ryan Gosling, who portrays Ken in Barbie, led the cascade of criticism with a strongly worded statement expressing his "disappointment." Gosling emphasized the pivotal roles played by Gerwig and Robbie in making Barbie a historic and globally celebrated film, stating, "There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie."
Actor Simu Liu, the rival Ken in Barbie, joined the chorus of voices supporting Gerwig and Robbie. He applauded their contributions, stating that they started a movement, revitalized cinema, and truly deserve recognition for their outstanding work.
Notable author Stephen King expressed disbelief on Twitter, questioning the omission of Greta Gerwig from the nominations. The snub of Ryan Gosling for Best Supporting Actor also faced criticism, with social media users highlighting the irony of the situation.
The 2024 Oscars nomination list for Best Director featured only one woman, Justine Triet, competing against renowned filmmakers such as Christopher Nolan, Yorgos Lanthimos, Martin Scorsese, and Jonathan Glazer. The ceremony is set to take place on March 10 in Hollywood, and the controversy surrounding Barbie's nominations promises to add a layer of anticipation to the event.
