The Internet Fumes over Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig Oscar Snub, Implying Barbie’s Relevance

The internet is abuzz with disappointment as Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig were overlooked for Best Actress and Best Director nominations at the 2024 Academy Awards. Despite receiving eight nominations, including Best Picture, for their box office hit Barbie, fans argue that Robbie and Gerwig were snubbed, pointing to their omission as ironic proof that a film like Barbie is still necessary in 2024. The nominations have sparked discussions about the Oscars’ voting system, which has undergone significant changes since the #OscarsSoWhite campaign in 2015, aiming to increase diversity within the Academy. With over 10,000 members, the Academy follows a strict voting process in which members from different factions vote for their respective categories, except for Best Picture, which includes the entire membership. While some may feel disappointed, others argue that the popularity and cultural impact of Barbie doesn’t necessarily equate to artistic excellence. The nominations for Barbie, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, have also overshadowed other notable milestones for women and minority groups at this year’s awards. For the first time in the history of the Oscars, three films directed by women have been nominated for Best Picture, with Justine Triet receiving a Best Director nomination, making her the ninth woman director to be recognized. Additionally, several other milestones are being celebrated, including the recognition of non-English language films and increased representation for Indigenous, LGBTIQA+, and marginalized communities. Despite the controversy surrounding the nominations, the recognition received by Barbie is a significant achievement, highlighting the ongoing push for diversity and representation in the film industry.