The 2024 Academy Award nominations have caused quite a stir in Hollywood, particularly due to the exclusion of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie from the best director and actress races for their work on the film “Barbie.” The debate around these Oscar snubs has sparked a discussion about the competitive nature of the industry and the subjective nature of movie voting.
Michelle Yeoh, who won the best actress Oscar last year for her role in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” shared her thoughts on the controversy during a recent interview on “Today.” She acknowledged that joy and disappointment often go hand in hand in the film industry, as there are limited nominations available. Yeoh highlighted the competitiveness of the field and the fact that being nominated is not guaranteed, even if a film receives a nomination for best picture.
Yeoh expressed sympathy for Gerwig and Robbie, stating that it was unfortunate that they were not recognized in their respective categories. She praised “Barbie” as one of the most successful and beloved movies, emphasizing its box office success. The snubs were also criticized by Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, both acting Oscar nominees for “Barbie.” Ferrera commended Gerwig for her exceptional work as a director, turning a seemingly insignificant concept into a global phenomenon. Gosling echoed Ferrera’s sentiments, emphasizing the impact that Gerwig and Robbie’s performances had on audiences.
Even Hillary Clinton joined the conversation, sending a message of support to Gerwig and Robbie. She acknowledged that while it may be disappointing not to win an Oscar, their millions of fans still love and appreciate their work. Clinton emphasized that they are more than deserving of recognition.
EGOT winner Whoopi Goldberg attempted to downplay the controversy by stating that “snubs” do not exist. She reminded viewers on “The View” that not everyone can win, and movie preferences are subjective. Goldberg encouraged moviegoers to keep in mind that the films they love may not be loved by the voting members of the Academy.
Despite the snubs, “Barbie” still received eight nominations, including best picture. Gerwig was recognized for her screenwriting, and Robbie received a nomination as one of the film’s producers. However, they were not the only ones to be snubbed. Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” received 10 nominations but failed to secure a best actor nomination for Leonardo DiCaprio. Scorsese praised DiCaprio’s performance, describing it as a fearless portrayal of a complex and contradictory character.
The controversy surrounding the Oscar snubs has ignited passionate discussions about the nature of recognition in the film industry. While some argue that deserving individuals were overlooked, others remind us that not everyone can win and that personal preferences play a significant role in the voting process. Regardless, the nominations have brought attention to exceptional performances and films, sparking conversations that will continue long after the awards ceremony.
