Barbie Snubbed in Major Categories: Oscar Nominations Spark Discussion
The Oscar nominations were announced on Tuesday, and as always, there were surprises and snubs. However, the absence of Barbie in some major categories has sparked the most discussion among film enthusiasts. While Barbie did receive eight nominations, Greta Gerwig was left out of the best director category, and Margot Robbie failed to secure a best actress nod. Let’s delve into the five key talking points from the nominations and explore the perceived snubs involving Barbie.
1. Golda and Maestro’s ‘Jewface’ Controversy
One of the controversial films that made it to the Oscars was Golda, which received a nomination for best make-up and hairstyling. The film featured Dame Helen Mirren portraying Israeli prime minister Golda Meir, which led to a debate about a non-Jewish actress playing a Jewish role. Another film, Maestro, faced a similar controversy over Bradley Cooper’s appearance as Jewish composer Leonard Bernstein. The author and broadcaster David Baddiel expressed his concern on Twitter, stating, “I see The Academy have shortlisted Golda and Maestro in the *Hair And Makeup* category. Literally: Oscar nominations for Jewface.”
2. An LGBT Record
This year’s nominations made history with two openly LGBT actors receiving nods for playing LGBT characters. Colman Domingo was nominated for best actor for his role in Rustin, while Jodie Foster received a best supporting actress nomination for her performance in Nyad. Previously, Sir Ian McKellen was the only nominee fitting this category when he was recognized for his role in Gods and Monsters in 1998. Domingo and Foster join a list of ten actors who received their first-ever nomination this year.
3. Saltburn Gets Burned by the Academy
Despite gaining recognition from other awards ceremonies and becoming a cult hit and social media sensation, Saltburn did not receive any love from the Oscars. Emerald Fennell’s controversial film about a student infiltrating a wealthy family received nominations from the Golden Globes and five Bafta nominations. However, it seems that the slightly more conservative voters in the US Academy found the film’s gross-out scenes involving bathtubs and graveyards too much to handle.
4. Slow ‘Revolution’ for Female Directors
Greta Gerwig’s absence from the best director shortlist highlights the slow progress for female directors in the film industry. Justine Triet, the director of Anatomy of a Fall, was the only woman nominated in this category this year, marking the eighth time in Oscars history that a woman has been recognized. In an interview, Triet expressed her pride in being part of this category and acknowledged the changing landscape for women in the industry.
5. Will Lily Gladstone Fulfill Yearbook Prediction?
Lily Gladstone, starring in Killers of the Flower Moon, has the potential to become the first Native American actress to win an Oscar. In the film, Gladstone portrays a woman from an Osage tribe who faces murder by white settlers attempting to profit from oil on their land. Interestingly, an old high school yearbook picture of Gladstone resurfaced, revealing that she was voted “most likely to win an Oscar” by her classmates. With such recognition and her powerful performance, Gladstone is certainly a strong contender.
Barbie’s Big Snubs
Many fans were quick to point out the irony of the Academy recognizing Ryan Gosling but not Margot Robbie for a film centered around feminism and the patriarchy. While Gerwig received a nomination for her screenplay and Robbie as a producer, their snubs in the best director and actress categories left fans disappointed. However, experts familiar with the awards race were less surprised by these omissions.
Robbie’s nomination was uncertain, given that the Academy tends to favor serious performances over comedic ones. This preference has often put comedic actors at a disadvantage. It also explains why her co-star America Ferrera received a supporting actress nomination. Ferrera delivers a powerful monologue in the film, highlighting the struggles women face daily. Additionally, supporting nominations are generally easier to secure than leading ones.
Gerwig’s chances in the best director category were also uncertain due to the highly competitive field this year. Despite not receiving a nomination, Gerwig made history as the first woman to direct three films that have been nominated for the top prize of best picture.
Conclusion
The Oscar nominations have sparked discussions and debates among film enthusiasts. While Barbie received several nominations, the absence of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie in major categories has raised eyebrows. Controversies surrounding certain films, record-breaking LGBT nominations, and the slow progress for female directors have also become talking points. As the Oscars approach, all eyes will be on the winners and whether Lily Gladstone fulfills her high school yearbook prediction.
