As expected, Barbie was one of three films that dominated the 2024 Oscar nominations announcement, but it seems not everyone was thrilled with the fantasy film's success.
Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz and The Boys star Jack Quaid announced the nominees live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California, on Tuesday, with Barbie appearing in eight categories.
This list includes the film's signature anthem, “I'm Just Ken.” The '80s-inspired “power ballad,” performed by actor Ryan Gosling, was nominated for best original song. However, one spectator was obviously not happy with the choice and booed loudly.
Main image: Ryan Gosling attends the European premiere of “Barbie” at Cineworld Leicester Square on July 12, 2023 in London, England. Inset: Ryan Gosling as “Ken” in “Barbie.” The ballad “I'm Just Ken” was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2024 Academy Awards. Lia Toby/Getty Images Entertainment
Fans watching at home took notice and shared their thoughts on social media.
“Did someone just boo at the #Oscars2024 nominations, it's just me Ken?” one person asked on X, formerly Twitter.
“If I just sweep Ken, then what,” said @strangerstiII.
“Ouch. Did you hear the boos when they announced 'I'm just Ken?!' wrote Eliot Gonzalez.
Bob Lee Swagger said, “Whoever booed at the Oscar nominations, I'm just Ken, I love you.”
(LR) Kingsley Ben-Adir as Ken, Ryan Gosling as Ken and Ncuti Gatwa as Ken in “Barbie.” The ballad “I'm Just Ken” was nominated for Best Original Song at the 2024 Oscars. Jaap Buitendijk/Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
Not only was “I'm Just Ken” the only Barbie track to receive a nod, but Billie Eilish's “What Was I Made For?” was also included in the Best Original Song category. The comedy was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume and Best Production Design.
America Ferrera, who stars as Gloria, received a nomination for Best Supporting Actress, while Gosling was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his version of Ken.
However, Margot Robbie, who played the title doll, missed out on the Best Actress nomination, and the film's director, Greta Gerwig, was also rejected.
The omission of Barbie's leading actress and director angered many fans, especially given the film's feminist message.
“The damn song 'I'm just Ken' was nominated and NOT MARGOT ROBBIE OR GRETA???” wrote X user Veronica.
Left to right: Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera, Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig promote “Barbie” on the red carpet at CinemaCon on April 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Several fans were upset that Ryan Gosling was nominated for two awards while leading actress Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were snubbed. Greg Doherty/WireImage
“I knew Ryan Gosling would get more recognition than Margot once they started pushing us, I'm just Ken,” said X user Katie.
“To prove what kind of society we live in, Just Ken was nominated for an Oscar, but Barbie [Margot Robbie] not. That says it all, doesn’t it?” commented Lizzie.
Since awards season began, Barbie has received 363 nominations and 116 awards, including a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award.
Other films that received multiple nominations include Christopher Nolan's war thriller “Oppenheimer,” which received 13 nominations. Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things also received critical acclaim, earning 11 nominations – including a Best Actress nomination for Emma Stone.
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Newsweek strives to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek strives to challenge conventional wisdom and find connections in the search for common ground.