‘Barbie’ Sets Its Sights on the Oscars: Barbenheimer Isn’t Over Yet

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From the moment Barbie began its rise at the box office, it was clear that it was one of the most notable cinematographic phenomena of recent years. Even before its release, it exuded the aura of an awards season contender, with its director already present at the Oscars, not to mention its illustrious cast. 

Greta Gerwig, who previously received Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Director for ‘Lady Bird’ and Best Adapted Screenplay for ‘Little Women,’ has once again garnered attention for her role in Barbie.

Likewise, the film’s stars, Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, both Oscar nominees for their previous work in ‘Half Nelson,’ ‘La La Land,’ ‘I, Tonya,’ and ‘Bombshell,’ have turned heads with their performances in Barbie. It’s evident that their contributions to Barbie are so outstanding that it’s not far-fetched to consider them potential nominees in various categories. 

The Academy Awards

The path to Oscar glory seems to be getting shorter, as the renowned American publication Variety recently revealed that Warner has submitted the film in multiple Oscar categories. The ultimate decision rests with the Academy, as they will cast their votes to determine if Barbie deserves a spot among the nominees for the 96th edition of the awards. Undoubtedly, this development has generated significant buzz in the industry. 

The issue of the screenplay nomination appears to have been resolved. Initially, there was ambiguity whether the script should be categorized as an adapted screenplay or an original screenplay due to the credit line ‘based on Barbie, from Mattel’ in the film’s credits. However, given the unique nature of the script, it seems the Academy will lean towards the latter option. 

Barbie’s Potential Categories:

Best Original Song & Best Original Score

The film boasts a collection of hit songs, making it a strong contender for an Oscar. Notably, the film can submit three songs, with Billie Eilish’s «What Was I Made For?» and Ryan Gosling’s rendition of «I’m Just Ken» almost guaranteed nominations.

As for the third song, notable options include Karol G’s «Watititi,» Lizzo’s «Pink,» Nicki Minaj’s «Barbie World,» «Ice Spice and Aqua,» and the chart topping «Dance the Night» by Dua Lipa. 

Gerwig, Robbie, & Gosling

Ryan Gosling could secure a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, a long-anticipated recognition by audiences who were impressed by his portrayal of Ken and his nuanced performance in supporting Barbie’s journey.

Margot Robbie could make history by becoming the second woman to be nominated for both Best Actress and Best Picture in the same year, thanks to her decisive role as a producer. 

For Gerwig, there’s a possibility of repeating her success in the categories of Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, a distinction she would share with Noah Baumbach, her co-writer and partner.

Additionally, Barbie could be in contention for other prestigious awards, including Best Production Design, Cinematography, Costume Design, Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Sound, and Visual Effects. These distinction could also be within reach for Oppenheimer, making for an exciting awards season that might just bring us the ultimate ‘Barbieheimer.’

Read the Spanish article by Javier Rodrigo Saavedra for LOS40.