In another baffling decision by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Rachel Zegler, the star of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, has apparently not been invited to next week’s Academy Awards. When asked by a fan what she would be wearing to this year’s ceremony, Zegler replied on Instagram, “I’m not invited so my boyfriend’s sweatpants and flannel.” In another comment on Instagram, Zegler expanded on her thoughts, writing, “Idk y’all all, I’ve tried everything but it doesn’t seem to be happening. I’ll be cheering on West Side Story from my couch and I’ll be proud of the work we did so tirelessly 3 years ago.” but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes I guess. Thanks for all the shock and outrage – I’m disappointed too. But that’s ok. So proud of our film.”
Rachel Zegler reveals she wasn’t invited to the Oscars in recent Instagram comments:
“I’ll be cheering on West Side Story from my couch” pic.twitter.com/RdSb09UUXP
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) March 20, 2022
Zegler has received near-universal acclaim for her film debut as Maria in Spielberg’s adaptation of the musical. The film was nominated for seven Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Director. Although Zegler was not nominated for her leading role, she won this year’s Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, and her co-star Ariana DeBose is up for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. While presenters and nominees are guaranteed tickets to the Oscars, actors in nominated films aren’t automatically guaranteed entry — but inviting Zegler, the West Side Story breakout star, seems like a no-brainer. The Academy has not yet commented on the situation.