This year’s Oscars season has been notably stirred by “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie. The film has emerged as a cultural phenomenon, yet it has also highlighted certain disparities in the film industry.
The Oscar nominations announcement sparked widespread disappointment among fans on social media, particularly regarding the absence of Gerwig and Robbie from the Best Director and Best Actress categories. Even former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed her views on this perceived oversight.
Ryan Gosling‘s nomination for best supporting actor as Ken in “Barbie” is seen by some as reflective of the film industry’s patriarchal tendencies. However, upon closer examination, “Barbie” may not present groundbreaking perspectives or warrant the level of discussion it has received.
Initially, I had high expectations for “Barbie,” given my admiration for Gerwig’s previous works like “Frances Ha” and “Little Women.” Unfortunately, “Barbie” proved to be a letdown. The film seemed to offer a superficial take on feminism and appeared more like a satire of the Mattel toy company.
The portrayal of feminism in the film arguably provides an easy pass to patriarchy. By depicting Ken as a foolish character, the film trivializes misogyny instead of addressing its seriousness.
Beyond “Barbie,” several female-directed films were overlooked at this year’s Oscars. Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” Molly Manning Walker’s “How to Have Sex,” and Ava DuVernay’s “Origin” provided deeper insights into women’s lives and thoughts but did not receive the recognition they deserved.
Lily Gladstone‘s nomination for best actress in “Killers of the Flower Moon” is a historic moment. However, it’s regrettable that her achievement has been somewhat overshadowed in the Oscar discussions, focusing more on Greta Gerwig and starring Margot non-nominations.
In the days ahead, the debate over “Barbie” will likely continue. Yet, it’s essential to acknowledge the range of female directors whose films offer nuanced and complex portrayals of women’s experiences. These films deserve as much recognition and acclaim as any major commercial film.