Barbie snubbed in key Oscar categories, while Oppenheimer leads nominations

“Barbie,” the cinematic sensation, has clinched eight Oscar nominations, marking a significant moment for the film industry. However, Margot Robbie, the film’s leading star, and Greta Gerwig, its visionary director, found themselves snubbed in several key categories. While Gerwig was not listed among the best director nominees, Justine Triet’s nod for “Anatomy of a Fall” ensured the category wasn’t exclusively male-dominated. This year also stands out as the first in which three films directed by women are contending for the best picture award.

“Oppenheimer” leads the nomination tally, with “Poor Things” and “Killers of the Flower Moon” also receiving considerable recognition. However, Robbie and Gerwig didn’t go unnoticed across the board; Gerwig received a nomination for best adapted screenplay, and Robbie is celebrated as a producer within the best picture contenders. Notably, “Barbie’s” nomination for best picture also positions Gerwig as the first female director to have three films nominated for cinema’s highest honor, following her previous works “Lady Bird” and “Little Women.”

The staggering global box office revenue of $1.44 billion by “Barbie” set high expectations for nominations in the best director and best actress categories for Gerwig and Robbie, respectively. Despite Robbie missing out on a best actress nomination, her co-star America Ferrera was unexpectedly nominated for best supporting actress. Additionally, Ryan Gosling earned a nomination for best supporting actor, and a song he performed in “Barbie,” titled “I’m Just Ken,” is in the running for best original song, competing against Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” from the same movie. “Barbie” is also recognized for its production and costume design.

Leading the nominations, “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, garnered significant acclaim for its portrayal of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer. The film’s critical and commercial success is underscored by 13 nominations, with Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, and Robert Downey Jr. earning acting nods and Nolan himself being recognized for best director.