Have you heard the news? The 96th Academy Award nominees were announced, and there were some surprising omissions. Greta Gerwig, director of the hit film “Barbie,” and Margot Robbie, who played the titular character, were both snubbed for their exceptional contributions. This unexpected turn of events has left many people scratching their heads and questioning the decision-making process of the academy.
A Shocking Oversight
Despite receiving eight nominations, including Best Picture, “Barbie” failed to secure recognition for its leading lady and talented director. Social media erupted with comments criticizing the academy’s choice, highlighting the irony of Ryan Gosling’s nomination for “Best Supporting Actor” as Ken, while Margot Robbie’s performance as Barbie went unrecognized. Users on X exclaimed, “Wait, Ryan Gosling got nominated for his role as Ken, but Margot Robbie didn’t get nominated for Barbie?! And Greta got snubbed for Best Director?! Way to justify the literal plot of the movie.”
Unparalleled Success
“Barbie” was a box office triumph, becoming one of the biggest films of 2023 and earning over $1 billion in ticket sales. Fans flocked to theaters, dressed in pink or black, to experience the cultural phenomenon dubbed “Barbenheimer.” Despite its massive popularity and critical acclaim, the lack of recognition for Gerwig and Robbie has left many bewildered.
More Snubs and Disappointments
It wasn’t just “Barbie” that suffered from the academy’s oversights. Other notable omissions, such as Charles Melton in “May December” and Greta Lee and Teo Yoo in “Past Lives,” sparked outrage among X users. After an outstanding year for Asian actors in 2023, it was disheartening to see their talents ignored in this year’s nominations. A disappointed X user wrote, “The snubs for Greta Lee, Teo Yoo, and Charles Melton really sting after a banner year for Asian actors at the Oscars just one year ago.”
Historic Firsts and Noteworthy Nominees
Amidst the disappointments, there were also some historic firsts and standout nominations. Lily Gladstone became the first Native American woman to be nominated for “Best Actress” for her role in “Killers of the Flower Moon,” a milestone celebrated by many. Fans had hoped for this achievement, fueled by a viral high school superlative photo proclaiming Gladstone as “Most likely to win an Oscar.”
Additionally, this year marked a significant milestone with three of the “Best Picture” nominees being directed by women: “Barbie,” “Past Lives,” and “Anatomy of a Fall.” Justine Triet, the director of “Anatomy of a Fall,” became the eighth female director to receive an Oscar nomination in the history of the awards.
The Ageless Talent
At the age of 91, composer John Williams received his 54th nomination for “Best Score” with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” This makes him the oldest-ever nominee and the most-nominated living individual in the history of the Oscars.
The Countdown Begins
With the Oscars set to air on March 10th on ABC, anticipation is building to see who will take home the coveted awards. As we eagerly await Hollywood’s biggest night, it’s impossible to ignore the notable snubs and the incredible talent that deserves recognition. Let’s hope that future awards ceremonies will prioritize the celebration of diverse, exceptional voices in the industry.
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