What a polarizing time to be Barbie. The iconic doll has seen it all this month, from being praised (and awkwardly dissed) at awards shows to being snubbed by the Oscars. On Jan. 23, Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig weren’t recognized in the Academy Awards’ two key categories: Best Actress and Best Director. However, Ryan Gosling — everyone’s favorite Ken — and America Ferrera received Best Supporting nods for their parts in the film. The oddball snub left many fans stunned, including Gosling.

Hours after the nominations were revealed, Gosling released a statement that took aim at Robbie and Gerwig’s lack of noms. “I am extremely honored to be nominated by my colleagues alongside such remarkable artists in a year of so many great films,” he began the note. “I’m also incredibly honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken. 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.”

His words echoed the passionate online discussions around how Barbie’s eight Oscar nominations were handed out. Many fans found it ironic that Gerwig, one of the visionaries behind the film, and Robbie (who’s quite literally Barbie) weren’t present in the major categories. The only nod Gerwig received was for Best Adapted Screenplay alongside her husband, Noah Baumbach. On the other hand, Robbie might receive an award if Barbie wins Best Picture for her role as a producer.

Meanwhile, others noted that though the outrage behind the snub was valid, it was drowning out the opportunity for Gosling and Ferrera to celebrate their own well-deserved noms. Most notably Ferrera, as this is her first Oscar nomination. Similar to Gosling, Ferrera — who starred as a Mattel employee named Gloria — also shared her thoughts about her Best Supporting nod and noted her co-star’s snubs was “disappointing.”

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As for Gosling, he shared the same sentiment in his statement. “To say that I’m disappointed that [Gerwig and Robbie] are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement. 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,” he said.

He ended the note by commending Ferrera for her nomination and “the other incredible artists who contributed their talents to making” Barbie a successful film. That same day, Ferrera shared Gosling’s statement to her Instagram Story, writing: “Oh Ryan. Just so well said.”

The dolls of Barbieland have spoken.

THE OSCARS SNUBBED MARGOT ROBBIE, ZAC EFRON, & LOTS OF OTHER FAVES

Let’s talk about it.

The category is: critically acclaimed snubs. On Jan. 23, nominees for the 96th Academy Awards were announced. And as with every year, the list earned a lot of cheers, but even more profound frustration from social media. While it included some well-deserved nods to Oppenheimer — long live the Cillian Murphy renaissance — and Barbie, it fell short in other areas.

Viewers watching their favorite films being robbed of appreciation is an unsavory reality of awards season. And below, these six most notable snubs for the 2024 Oscars prove that.

01
Barbie’s Greta Gerwig And Margot Robbie Deserved More

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Not to be dramatic, but these two snubs are “bffr” personified. Despite Barbie’s stunning presence in the film industry last summer, Margot Robbie wasn’t nominated for her role as the Mattel icon. Also, Dua Lipa’s infectious and still inescapable “Dance The Night” wasn’t recognized and Greta Gerwig didn’t land a nod for Best Director. Ironically though, Gerwig and her husband Noah Baumbach did receive a nom for Best Adapted Screenplay.

However, not all ambition was lost for the critical acclaimed movie. Ryan Gosling’s performance as Ken earned a supporting nomination, which fired off a few think pieces on social media. Oh, and America Ferrera — who was also taken aback by Barbie’s robbed accolades — scored a Best Supporting Actress nod.

02
Let’s Pour One Out For Greta Lee

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Oh, Past Lives — the overlooked and gracious beaut you are. After suffering zero wins from their multiple Golden Globe nominations, the Celine Song-helmed film still wasn’t recognized widely at the Oscars. Most notably, Greta Lee’s radiant lead performance missed the chance to be honored in the Best Actress category.

03
Saltburn Missed The Mark

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There’s a new murder on the dancefloor: Saltburn’s snub. It seems the Oscars weren’t fond of the dark thriller, as it received zero nominations. Then again, Oliver Quick’s (played by Barry Keoghan) insidious plan to eat-the-rich might’ve unsettled them — and made them reconsider bathtubs. Well, at least Sophie Ellis-Bextor appreciated the vision.

This loss doesn’t speak for the film’s popular reputation, however. Not only did the Emerald Fennell-directed satire earn several Golden Globes and BAFTA nominations earlier this month, but it gave viewers a new bromance between Keoghan and Jacob Elordi.

04
The Color Purple’s Small Recognition Is Criminal

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Though The Color Purple received relatively quiet praise, it still rendered enough emotion for it to be considered for awards season. And it came out swinging, but still fell short: It only received one Best Supporting Actress nomination for Danielle Brooks’ role as Sofia. While Brooks’ nod is well-deserved, it was Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson’s eclectic performances going unnoticed that startled fans.

05
Zac Efron’s Passionate Time In The Wrestling Ring Went Unnoticed

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This snub truly stings. A24’s latest wrestling drama, The Iron Claw, featured some standout performances from Jeremy Allen White and Zac Efron. Despite major pre-season Oscar buzz, the film (and notably, Efron’s transformative commitment as Kevin Von Erich) was snubbed from the acting categories.

06
May December Came And Went

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May December was already shrouded in mixed reception before its May 2023 release. The film was loosely inspired by Mary Kay Letourneau and Vili Fualaau’s controversial relationship, though lead actor Natalie Portman shared opposing thoughts on what drove the storyline. Despite featuring awing performances from Julianne Moore and the underrated Charles Melton, May December didn’t snag a nomination.