Despite the absence of a Best Actress Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Barbie’, esteemed actress Margot Robbie radiates gratitude for the widespread appreciation the film has garnered. Moreover, she voiced her opinion that director Greta Gerwig was deserving of recognition in the Best Director category at the prestigious awards ceremony.
The cinematic sensation ‘Barbie’ captivated audiences with its summer release, amassing over USD 1 billion in global ticket sales. It has been honored with eight nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and two in the Original Song category, showcasing the film’s remarkable resonance within the cinematic community.
Robbie, who also took on the role of producer for the comedy that evolved into a cultural juggernaut, shared her reflections on the Oscar exclusions during a SAG-AFTRA panel discussion. “There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed. Obviously, I think Greta should be nominated as a director. What she did is a once-in-a-career, once-in-a-lifetime thing. What she pulled off, it really is. But it’s been an incredible year for all the films,” expressed the actor-producer.
A celebratory tone was evident as Robbie discussed the film’s eight nominations, which also highlighted Gerwig and Noah Baumbach for Best Adapted Screenplay, Ryan Gosling for Supporting Actor, America Ferrera for Supporting Actress, and nods for Costume Design and Production Design.
“Everyone getting the nods that they’ve had is just incredible, and the best picture nod. We set out to do something that would shift culture, affect culture, just make some sort of impact. And it’s already done that and some, way more than we ever dreamed it would. And that is truly the biggest reward that could come out of all of this,” Robbie enthused.
For the 33-year-old actress, people’s engagement and reactions to ‘Barbie’ stand as the “biggest reward”. She expressed her amazement at the cultural ripple effect the movie has created, noting the substantial presence of pink even among her current surroundings. She paralleled this phenomenon with her experience in comic book films, emphasizing the distinct and enduring cultural footprint ‘Barbie’ has achieved.
The Oscar snub of Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig in the best actress and director categories, respectively, has sparked discourse and controversy. Gosling and Ferrera have openly expressed their disappointment regarding the Academy’s oversights. Despite this, Robbie has been acknowledged by the Screen Actors Guild Awards, securing a Best Actress nomination, with the ‘Barbie’ ensemble also vying for the outstanding ensemble in a motion picture award.
As the film world anticipates the crowning ceremony, the narrative around ‘Barbie’ extends beyond awards and encapsulates its impact on global culture. The visual and thematic boldness of the film has embroidered itself into popular discourse, leaving an indelible mark in the fabric of cinematic history.
While Margot Robbie was passed over for an individual acting accolade, her role as both a producer and protagonist of a film that has profoundly influenced popular culture this year ensures that her artistic presence is deeply felt. She stands as a testament to the power of filmmaking that dares to dream big and, in doing so, changes the landscape of entertainment and its interaction with society at large.
