The frenzy and discussions surrounding Barbie after the release of this year's Oscar nominations have dominated online conversations. Even if you are not involved in these discussions, chances are you have heard about them. Unfortunately, these arguments against the Academy's decisions have diverted attention from the important achievements and losses in the film industry.
It all started when fans were surprised to see that Margot Robbie was not nominated for Best Actress and Greta Gerwig was not nominated for Best Director at the 96th Academy Awards. Many people took to social media to express their discontent with these omissions, claiming that it was a slight against feminism.
However, these arguments overlook the films that have upheld feminist values and their achievements that may go unnoticed amidst the social media backlash.
The aftermath of the Oscar nominations has angered countless Barbie fans. To add insult to injury, Ryan Gosling received a nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, which further disappointed some fans. Some even expressed shock at America Ferrera's Oscar recognition. While fans may feel that Robbie and Gerwig deserved more recognition, it is dangerous to establish a basis of comparison.
The Best Actress category showcased performances by women who have delivered excellence, some of which also encapsulated feminist subtext. Lily Gladstone, for example, made history as the first Native American woman to be nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards.
Unfortunately, the discourse surrounding Barbie has overshadowed other feminist triumphs in the film industry this year. The film "Anatomy of a Fall" received numerous nominations and was praised for its feminist undertones. However, because it was not explicitly marketed as feminist, some people failed to acknowledge its implications.
This is a recurring issue, as blockbuster films often steal the spotlight from feminist narratives that are not spoon-fed to audiences. It is essential to recognize the subjectivity, narrative quality, and performance quality when evaluating Oscar nominations.
