An expert believes that the exclusion of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie from the recently announced Oscar nominations for 2024 will not be forgotten easily. Dave Karger, Turner Classic Movies host and author of 50 Oscar Nights, says that it is not a good look for the Academy to leave out Gerwig and Robbie, who both directed and starred in a movie centered on the marginalization of impressive women. 

The movie in question is Barbie, which became the highest-grossing film of 2023 after its release in July. Despite receiving eight nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor for Ryan Gosling, and Best Supporting Actress for America Ferrera, Robbie and Gerwig were notably left out of the Best Actress and Best Director categories respectively.

Karger believes that the comedic nature of the film may have influenced the nominations, as the Academy tends to favor heavier dramas over true comedies. 

However, both Robbie and Gerwig have received recognition for their work in Barbie through other awards and nominations. Despite the diverse pool of nominees this year, with notable history-making nods, such as the first Native American actress to be nominated for an Oscar, the omission of Robbie and Gerwig has sparked disappointment. Gosling, who plays Ken in Barbie, expressed his support for the pair and stated that there would be no Barbie movie without Gerwig and Robbie.

Ferrera also voiced her disappointment and praised Gerwig's achievements as a director in creating a global phenomenon. The 96th Academy Awards, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will take place on March 10.