Summary

  • Margot Robbie believes that the Oscar snubs for Barbie's director and actress do not diminish the film's cultural impact.
  • Barbie's empowering messages and diverse representation have resonated with audiences worldwide and made a significant impact.
  • While the snubs are disappointing, Barbie's lasting legacy and influence on society will endure beyond the awards season.

Margot Robbie has finally opened up about the Oscar snubs for the Barbie movie, and she sends the right message about the film's legacy. Released in July 2023, Barbie shattered numerous box office records, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year, the highest-grossing film by a female director at the domestic box office, and the highest-grossing film in Warner Bros.' 100-year history. The incredible direction of Greta Gerwig and stellar performances from the cast brought Barbieland to life, which resonated with audiences across the globe.

Despite earning eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best ing Actor for Ryan Gosling, and Best ing Actress for America Ferrera, the Margot Robbie has now responded to the Oscar snubs and shared her thoughts on the film's legacy, and in doing so, she's put things into perspective.

At the time of writing this article, Barbie is streaming on Max.

Margot Robbie Is Right About Barbie's Cultural Impact

Barbie singing in her car with Ken in the back in Barbie.

While Barbie secured eight Oscar nominations, the absence of Robbie and Gerwig in the Best Actress and Best Director categories is a significant snub for the film. However, Robbie does not believe that the snub affects the film's cultural impact. According to a report from Deadline, Robbie said, "We set out to do something that would shift culture, affect culture, just make some sort of impact. And it’s already done that...". Barbie has empowering messages for young viewers, portraying Barbie as strong, independent, and capable of achieving her dreams.

Barbie embarks on a journey of self-discovery, and Ferrera's monologue about the challenges of being a woman leads her to realize that she doesn't need to conform to society's expectations to be worthy. The movie embraces diversity with the various representations of Barbie and Ken in Barbieland, which allows viewers worldwide to see themselves on screen. Despite the Oscar snubs, there is no denying Barbie's profound impact. As Robbie emphasizes in her statement, she has immense pride in the film's achievements.

Why Barbie's Oscars Controversy Shouldn't Hurt Its Legacy

Ken (Ryan Gosling) wearing sunglasses and tilting his chip up at Barbie (Margot Robbie) in Barbie.

Despite the notable omission of the two key women from the Barbie movie in their respective Oscar categories, these snubs are unlikely to diminish Barbie's lasting legacy. The movie not only shattered numerous box-office records but also emerged as the highest-grossing film of 2023. This achievement was recognized with Barbie winning the 2024 Golden Globe for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.

Oscar Category

Nominees

Best Picture

Margot Robbie, David Heyman, Tom Ackerley, Robbie Brenner

Best ing Actress

America Ferrara

Best ing Actor

Ryan Gosling

Best Adapted Screenplay

Greta Gerwig & Noah Baumbach

Best Costume Design

Jacqueline Durran

Best Production Design

Sarah Greenwood & Katie Spencer

Best Original Song

"What Was I Made For?" - Billie Eilish & Finneas O'Connell

Best Original Song

"I'm Just Ken" - Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt

Barbie will also be ed for the fan-driven Barbenheimer phenomenon, which turned into its incredible marketing campaign. The backlash from the Oscar snubs highlights the overwhelmingly positive reception of Barbie by the viewers, which indicates that its impact will extend far beyond the 96th Academy Awards. While the snubs mark an unfortunate conclusion to the award season for the film, Barbie's influence on society is set to endure.

Source: Deadline

Barbie Movie Poster
Barbie
Release Date
July 21, 2023

Barbie is a film adaptation of the generational iconic toy directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote the script with Noah Baumbach. The film centers on Margot Robbie's Barbie who is expelled from Barbieland and travels with Ken (Ryan Gosling) to the real world in search of happiness. The film also stars Simu Liu, Will Ferrell, and several other famous celebrities in cameo roles.

Director
Greta Gerwig