Margot Robbie Breaks Silence On ‘Barbie’ Oscar Snubs

Margot Robbie, the driving force behind 2023’s blockbuster Barbie, has voiced her perspective on not receiving a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Despite the film’s critical and commercial success, Robbie maintains a positive outlook, emphasising the film’s cultural impact as the true reward.

During a SAG-AFTRA panel as reported in Variety, she expressed gratitude for the film’s achievements, stating that she was ‘beyond ecstatic’ with the film’s eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Adapted Screenplay, Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling, and Supporting Actress for America Ferrera.

“There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed,” Robbie said. Barbie may have secured nominations, yet Robbie and director Greta Gerwig’s exclusions from their respective categories sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders.

Robbie, also a producer on Barbie, highlighted the film’s mission to affect culture significantly, a goal she believes has been overwhelmingly achieved. She pointedly remarked, “Obviously, I think Greta should be nominated as a director. What she did is a once-in-a-career, once-in-a-lifetime thing. But it’s been an incredible year for all the films.” Gerwig, however, did receive a nod for Best Adapted Screenplay.

“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 continued, “People’s reactions to the movie have been the biggest reward of this entire experience. Whether it’s seeing what people are writing online, or even just seeing how much pink I can see in this room right now…I’ve never been a part of something like this. I’ve done comic book stuff and that gets a big reaction, but this felt very different. It still feels very different. And I can’t think of a time when a movie’s had this effect on culture. And it’s amazing to be in the eye of the storm.”

The film’s ensemble cast, including Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, shared Robbie’s sentiment, particularly noting the importance of Gerwig and Robbie’s contributions to the film’s success. Gosling emphasised, “There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie,” underscoring the collaborative spirit behind the film’s creation.

Despite personal nominations eluding them, Robbie remains focused on the broader success of Barbie, including its critical acclaim and significant cultural resonance, evidenced by its vibrant influence on audiences worldwide. The film’s box office triumph, amassing US$1.38 billion globally, defied expectations and established it as a defining cinematic event of the year.

Robbie’s reflections on the Oscars overlook personal accolades, instead cherishing the collective recognition received by the Barbie team. Her comments underscore a deep appreciation for the film’s impact on culture and its reception by audiences, affirming the enduring value of creative storytelling in shaping societal narratives.

As the Oscars approach, Robbie’s gracious stance and the film’s eight nominations stand as a testament to Barbie‘s remarkable journey and its indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.