Barbie’s Oscar Nominations Spark Joy, But Director and Star Snubbed

In a surprising twist of events during the Oscar nominations, Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, the stars of the blockbuster film “Barbie,” expressed their joy and gratitude for their supporting acting category nominations. However, their elation was accompanied by disappointment over the apparent oversight of their director, Greta Gerwig, and co-star-producer, Margot Robbie.

Gosling, portraying Ken alongside Robbie’s titular doll, shared his feelings in a statement to The Times, stating, “I am deeply honored to receive a nomination from my peers alongside outstanding artists in a year filled with exceptional films. It’s truly humbling, and I never anticipated saying this, but I’m equally honored and proud that this recognition is for my portrayal of a plastic doll named Ken.”

Highlighting the integral roles played by Gerwig and Robbie, Gosling emphasized, “But Barbie and Ken are inseparable, just as Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie are inseparable from this historic and globally celebrated film.” He expressed disappointment that these key figures were not acknowledged in their respective categories, stating, “To express my disappointment that they are not nominated would be an understatement.”

Despite the immense success of the “Barbie” phenomenon, surpassing $1.4 billion at the box office and receiving positive reviews, the film academy’s director’s branch seemingly overlooked Gerwig and Robbie, drawing comparisons on social media to the corporate mob in a film led by Will Ferrell. The nominated directors included Jonathan Glazer, Yorgos Lanthimos, Christopher Nolan, Martin Scorsese, and Justine Triet.

Gosling continued to champion Gerwig and Robbie’s contributions, stating, “Without their talent, determination, and brilliance, no one on the film would receive any recognition. Against all odds, armed with nothing but a pair of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they managed to make us laugh, break our hearts, push the culture, and create history.”

Fans of the film resonated with Gosling’s sentiments on social media, with former First Lady and Senator Hillary Clinton joining the conversation. Clinton tweeted, “Greta & Margot, though it may be disappointing to conquer the box office without claiming the gold, your millions of fans adore you. You both surpass any ‘Kenough.’ #HillaryBarbie.”

The film received an impressive eight Oscar nominations, securing its position as the second-most nominated film, just behind “Oppenheimer” with 13 nods. Gerwig, previously nominated for “Lady Bird,” earned a nod for co-writing the screenplay with Noah Baumbach, while Robbie received a nomination as a producer in the Best Picture category.

Novelist Brad Meltzer commented on the nomination for Ken but not Barbie, stating, “Nomination for Ken but not Barbie is essentially the plot of the movie.” Discussions on social media reflected disappointment over the oversight, with one commentator expressing, “In the end, it speaks volumes about our society that ‘Just Ken’ secured an Oscar nomination, while Barbie didn’t. It says it all, doesn’t it?”

Simu Liu, the actor who played Gosling’s adversary Ken in “Barbie,” shared similar sentiments. Gosling, in a statement to CBS News, questioned the Academy’s decision to overlook Robbie for best actress and Gerwig for the best director category, stating, “Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees.”

“Barbie” garnered a staggering $1.4 billion globally, making it the highest-grossing movie of the year. The film received eight nominations, including Best Picture, earning recognition for both Gosling and Ferrera, the latter receiving a nod for best supporting actress.

Expressing his joy, Gosling said, “I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m also incredibly honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken. However, there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no ‘Barbie’ movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two individuals most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film.”

Ferrera, upon learning of her Oscar nomination, revealed feeling “stunned” and “moved.” She shared a sentiment similar to Gosling’s, expressing disappointment that Robbie and Gerwig did not receive Oscar nods. In a separate statement to CBS News, Ferrera praised Gerwig and Robbie for making history with “Barbie,” emphasizing the cultural and industry impact that will resonate for generations. She expressed gratitude for being a part of such a groundbreaking project.

“Barbie” also received nine Golden Globe nominations, including best director, securing two wins – one for the best original song, Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and another for cinematic and box office achievement. Gerwig had earned a best director Oscar nomination in 2018 for “Lady Bird.”