14 September 2023, Mumbai: Barbie, co-written by Hollywood’s power couple Gerwig and Baumbach, has been confirmed by Warner Bros. to be campaigned for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards, among other categories. The movie has already grossed over $1.4 billion and is expected to perform well on the awards circuit. The plot follows Barbie, played by Margot Robbie, as she embarks on a quest alongside Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, from Barbie World to the real world to find her true purpose.
Speculation Over Which Screenplay Category “Barbie” Would Compete In
There was controversy over which screenplay category “Barbie” would fall under in the Oscars. While it is based on the famous Mattel doll, it is an original and creative story. The official on-screen credits read “based on ‘Barbie’ by Mattel,” which is a toy company and not “previously published material,” as per the Oscars’ criteria. Nonetheless, the original and entertaining story puts Gerwig and Baumbach at the forefront of the original screenplay race.
Determination of Eligibility by the Writer’s Branch Committee
The Writer’s Branch Committee within the Academy determines eligibility for the movies submitted for consideration. It has the authority to change the suggested categorization of movies by the Writers Guild of America (WGA), as it did in the past for films such as “Moonlight” (2016), “Syriana” (2005), “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs” (2018), and “Loving” (2016). Therefore, while “Barbie” has been submitted for Best Original Screenplay, we won’t know until voting begins if the Academy agrees.
Possible Recognition for Gerwig and Baumbach
Gerwig has previously received three Oscar nominations for “Little Women” (2019), “Lady Bird” (2016), and directing. She might become the second woman to be recognized twice for directing, following winner Jane Campion for “The Power of the Dog” (2021). Baumbach, Gerwig’s writing and life partner, has three Oscar nominations to his name for “The Squid and the Whale” (2005), “Marriage Story” (2018), and producing “Marriage Story.” The Oscars could be an opportunity to honor two deserving and beloved filmmakers.
Ryan Gosling Submitted for Best Supporting Actor
Ryan Gosling, who plays Ken in “Barbie,” will be officially submitted for Best Supporting Actor by Warner Bros. Gosling’s performance has been praised, among other standouts such as Margot Robbie (who also produces), and America Ferrera. Gosling has previously received two Best Actor nominations, for “Half Nelson” (2006) and “La La Land” (2016).
Barbie Could Potentially Contest in Multiple Categories
In addition to Best Original Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor, “Barbie” could potentially contend in Best Picture, Directing, Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, Visual Effects, and Original Score. The film also has the potential to receive up to two song nominations, with favorites being Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and “I’m Just Ken” by Wyatt and Ronson. Other notable songs include “Pink” by Lizzo, “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa, and “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice, and Aqua.