This year’s Oscar’s nominations were revealed yesterday and led to quite a bit of outrage when it came to the “Barbie” film. Even though the movie was nominated for eight awards, director Greta Gerwig and lead actress Margot Robbie did not receive individual nominations in their categories.
However, Robbie was nominated for Best Picture (as a producer) and Gerwig was nominated alongside Noah Baumbach for Best Adapted Screenplay. The online outrage for the women, however, has taken on a life of its own. But where was all this smoke for the Black actors and films that are snubbed pretty much every year?
White folks have called the move against Gerwig and Robbie outrageously sexist, with Ryan Gosling (who portrayed Ken in the film) stating: “To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.” John Stamos said it was “a twist of irony” that “both women were snubbed by the Academy.”
Hilary Clinton also pledged her solidarity with the pair by stating: “While it can sting to win the box office but not take home the gold, your millions of fans love you.” As we all know, the Academy has a history of being not just sexist but incredibly racist as well.
In addition to the “Barbie” drama, let’s not forget that the Ava Duvernay masterpiece “Origin” was completely ignored by the Academy. In addition, Fantasia Barrino and Taraji P. Henson were also left out in the cold despite their stirring performances in “The Color Purple.”
Angela Bassett finally got her honorary Oscar after years of being nominated for her phenomonal and groundbreaking roles just earlier this year. Not to mention, “The Woman King” starring Viola Davis never received its just due. Only four Black men have won the Oscar for Best Actor and Halle Berry was the first and only Black woman to have won for Best Actress.
Yes, you can be upset about the “Barbie” snubs, but the plight for Black actors and actresses when it comes to the Oscars has always been an uphill battle—and is one that will never let up.