The Oscars season is upon us, and with it comes the expected mix of excitement and controversy. This year’s nominations for the film “Barbie” have stirred the pot, with Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera taking the spotlight to share their thoughts on the accolades and, notably, the snubs.
In an unexpected turn of events, Ryan Gosling finds himself nominated for Best Supporting Actor, not for a gritty drama or a biopic, but for portraying Ken, the iconic plastic companion to Barbie. In a statement brimming with both humor and sincerity, Gosling expressed his gratitude for the recognition: “I am extremely honored to be nominated by my colleagues alongside such remarkable artists in a year of so many great films. And I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m also incredibly honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken.”
However, Gosling doesn’t let the celebration overshadow the notable snubs for his co-stars. Margot Robbie, the powerhouse producer behind “Barbie,” received a nod in the Best Picture category, but surprisingly not in the Best Actress category where many believed she deserved recognition. Greta Gerwig, responsible for the film’s screenplay, was snubbed in the Best Director category.
Gosling took a moment to reflect on the collaborative nature of filmmaking: “But there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit, and genius.”
Expressing his disappointment in the omissions, Gosling emphasized the significant impact of their work: “Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture, and they made history. Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees. Having said that, I am so happy for America Ferrera and the other incredible artists who contributed their talents to making this such a groundbreaking film.”
America Ferrera, who received a Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role in “Barbie,” shared her excitement and a tinge of shock in an interview with Deadline. While her own recognition felt “surreal and incredible,” she couldn’t ignore the absence of Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig in their respective categories.
“They’re my girls, and I want to see their incredible, amazing work celebrated. They made history, they set a new bar,” Ferrera expressed. Reflecting on the film’s impact, she added,
“They not only broke box office records but made something that resonated around the globe, and the impact of what they made is, and will continue to be felt in our culture.”
Ferrera echoed the sentiments of many fans and industry insiders who expected Robbie and Gerwig to secure nominations for their groundbreaking contributions to the film. “I think I join a lot of people in wanting to see them acknowledged for that,” she concluded.
“Barbie” has become a unique contender, challenging conventions and sparking conversations about what truly defines award-worthy performances. As the ceremony approaches, the anticipation grows, and audiences await the final verdict on whether plastic can indeed leave an indelible mark on cinematic history.
