In an exciting development for the upcoming 2024 Oscars, the iconic Barbie franchise has made headlines by announcing its intent to nominate Hollywood heartthrob Ryan Gosling for the coveted Best Supporting Actor category. This surprising move comes as part of a broader Oscar campaign initiated by Warner Bros., the studio behind the live-action Barbie film, which has been making waves since its release. Greta Gerwig, the film’s director, has also submitted the production for consideration in the Best Original Screenplay category.
The decision to nominate Ryan Gosling for Best Supporting Actor raises eyebrows as he portrays the beloved character Ken in the Barbie universe. Despite the film’s source material being a Mattel doll, it may qualify for the screenplay category due to its presentation of an original and non-adapted storyline. However, whether the Academy will officially accept this designation remains uncertain until the nomination ballots open for voting on January 11.
Moreover, Barbie’s potential extends beyond the acting and screenplay categories. The film has the opportunity to secure nominations in the Best Song category, following Academy rules that allow for up to three song submissions. Among the favorites are “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and “I’m Just Ken” by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.
Greta Gerwig, who made history by becoming the first woman to direct a billion-dollar film, has previously been nominated for three Oscars. These nominations include Best Adapted Screenplay for “Little Women” and Best Adapted Screenplay and Directing for “Lady Bird.“
Barbie has already demonstrated its financial prowess by grossing an impressive $1.4 billion worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film of 2023. This success underscores the enduring popularity of the iconic doll and her transition to the big screen.
The film’s premise, as described in the synopsis, follows Barbie as she is expelled from Barbie Land for not meeting perfection standards and embarks on a remarkable adventure in the real world. The star-studded cast includes Margot Robbie as Barbie, Ryan Gosling as Ken, Simu Liu as another version of Ken, and Hollywood heavyweights like Will Ferrell, America Ferrera, Kate McKinnon, Alexandra Shipp, and Emma Mackey.
Greta Gerwig, known for her outstanding work on “Little Women,” has lent her directorial prowess to Barbie, co-writing the screenplay with Noah Baumbach, acclaimed for “Marriage Story.” This dynamic duo’s collaboration has brought the beloved doll to life in a way that captivated audiences worldwide.
With its exceptional box office performance and potential Oscar nominations on the horizon, Barbie is poised to make waves in the world of cinema, cementing its place as a beloved cultural icon and a cinematic force to be reckoned with. As the nomination process unfolds, film enthusiasts and Barbie fans alike eagerly await the Academy’s verdict on this exciting cinematic venture.
