The Oscars 2024 concluded with a flurry of surprises and raised eyebrows. Anticipation had built for the clash between Margot Robbie’s “Barbie” and Cillian Murphy’s “Oppenheimer.” However, Oppenheimer dominated, clinching seven awards from thirteen nominations, leaving Barbie with only two wins: Best Original Song and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. The disparity begs the question: why didn’t Barbie’s immense hype, box office success, and chart-topping achievements translate into more Oscar wins? Let’s delve into the reasons behind this discrepancy.
People’s Preference Versus Academy Selection
Barbie’s modest tally of awards largely stems from the Academy jury’s inherent bias. Despite widespread acclaim for its portrayal of gender bias, Margot Robbie’s performance, Ryan Gosling’s rendition of ‘I’m Just Ken,’ and its incisive satire on societal issues, the Academy voters remained unmoved by public sentiment.
Throughout Oscars history, a predisposition has existed towards historical narratives, intense dramas, and thought-provoking cinema, a trend reaffirmed by Oppenheimer’s recent success.
While Barbie’s theme was thought-provoking, the jury might have viewed the movie as a fantasy comedy, diminishing its competitive edge against films like Oppenheimer.
The Stiff Competition
Barbie, despite its profound message, faced stiff competition and potential bias at the Oscars.
Director Greta Gerwig excelled with Barbie, but it couldn’t secure more awards due to the prevailing Oscars trend favoring films like Oppenheimer.
Oscars’ Struggle with Unconventional Films
Oscars has long had a bias against movies with unconventional concepts. Since 1929, the Academy has adhered to a rigid set of criteria; if a movie meets them, it stands a chance at winning an Oscar.
Many beloved films, hailed as some of the greatest ever made, have been overlooked by the Oscars. Here are a few examples to illustrate.
Consider Star Wars, a franchise that redefined science fiction. It remains revered as the pinnacle of the genre, boasting a devoted fan base spanning generations.
Consider this: Shawshank Redemption stands out as a remarkable film. Its plot, cinematography, and unconventional storytelling are a true delight. Yet, despite its classic status, the movie received seven nominations but failed to win any awards.
Similarly, Barbie encountered a similar fate. Its only flaw was diverging from the conventional path, creating a film that defied the typical standards of an “Oscar-winning movie.”
Barbie, a movie touching on a controversial topic, suffered from underwhelming recognition at the Oscars. This article doesn’t dispute Oppenheimer’s deserving wins but asserts Barbie deserved better.
Barbie is indisputably the people’s champion. Margot Robbie, Greta Gerwig, Ryan Gosling, and the cast delivered commendable performances.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
