In the glitzy realm of Hollywood, amidst the fanfare of Oscar season, a notable public figure, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, expressed her disappointment over apparent oversights by the Academy. The blockbuster ‘Barbie’, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie, seemed to have been left out of major Oscar categories, igniting a storm of reactions, particularly from Clinton.
The film, which had already ascended to box office heights, found itself at the forefront of controversy when it failed to earn nominations for Gerwig in the ‘Best Director’ bracket, and Robbie in the ‘Best Actress’ division. Gerwig, who co-wrote ‘Barbie’ alongside Noah Baumbach, did secure a place on the nomination list for ‘Best Adapted Screenplay’. Despite not receiving an acting nod, Robbie remained a contender for the celebrated ‘Best Picture’ Oscar due to her role as a producer on the film, alongside David Herman, Tom Ackerley, and Robbie Brenner.
Turning to Instagram to voice her support and solidarity, Clinton penned a heartfelt note that quickly garnered attention—reflecting the sentiments of countless fans and underscoring the broader impact of the film. The message conveyed a duality of celebration and solace: “Greta & Margot. While it can sting to win the box office but not take home the gold. your millions of fans love you.” Clinton adeptly played on words in her concluding line by referencing the now Oscar-nominated “I’m Just Ken,” a song from the film, stating, “You’re both so much more than Kenough.”
The Oscars event in Los Angeles on Tuesday morning revealed eight Oscar nominations for ‘Barbie’, a number that took many industry insiders and fans by surprise. Despite the absence of nods for Gerwig and Robbie in their respective roles, Ryan Gosling, who portrayed Ken, was honoured with a ‘Best Supporting Actor’ nomination. In a statement noted by Variety, Gosling shared, “I am extremely honoured to be nominated by my colleagues alongside such remarkable artists in a year of so many great films.”
However, there was a palpable sense of disappointment from the actor who, while grateful for his own recognition, felt a strong sense of underscoring the collaborative effort behind ‘Barbie’. He said, “I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m also incredibly honoured and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken. But there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no ‘Barbie’ movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie.” Gosling went on to stress that the very creativity and grit of Gerwig and Robbie were foundational to the movie’s success.
The snub has sparked conversations about the unpredictability of the awards and the criteria by which artistic endeavours are adjudicated within the film industry. ‘Barbie’ found itself at a crossroads, competing at the box office with Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’, which led this year’s Oscar nominations with thirteen nods.
Critics and audiences alike are often left baffled by the choices made during the awards season, questioning the processes that lead to such decisions. The situation around ‘Barbie’ is a testament to the subjectivity of art and recognition, pointing to a broader dialogue about the nature of accolades, merit, and visibility in the dynamic and often unpredictable landscape of cinema.
No accolades or statues can overshadow the fact that ‘Barbie’ has indeed made an imprint, as much in the hearts of moviegoers as it has in box office figures. For Hillary Clinton, and millions of other fans, the narrative isn’t just about who took home the gold, but about the lasting impact and the communal love for Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie – who, according to Clinton, are indeed much “more than Kenough.”
