Bootleg Betty
Bette Midler Shares Thoughts On Oscar ‘Barbie Snubs”
By Mister D
January 23, 2024
Bette Midler even shared her thoughts on Gerwig and Robbie’s snub…“This one goes out to Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie who crafted a film that was both a critical success and a cultural phenomenon, delving into feminist themes through the lens of Barbie and challenging patriarchal norms,” the Oscar-nominated star tweeted. “This movie not only resonated deeply but also grossed a billion dollars. Yet, in a twist of irony, it was Ken who received the Oscar nomination. Everyone go re-watch Barbie tonight.” ~ Bette Midler
Bette Midler even shared her thoughts on Gerwig and Robbie’s snub…
“This one goes out to Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie who crafted a film that was both a critical success and a cultural phenomenon, delving into feminist themes through the lens of Barbie and challenging patriarchal norms,” the Oscar-nominated star tweeted. “This movie not only resonated deeply but also grossed a billion dollars. Yet, in a twist of irony, it was Ken who received the Oscar nomination. Everyone go re-watch Barbie tonight.” ~ Bette Midler
I’m going to try to re-watch Barbie again but have already tried three times (via streaming) and have fallen asleep all three times. I realize it is a cultural phenomenon, with a big dollar gross behind it, but my initial thoughts were: “ok, cute, but not really an Oscar caliber film”.
It’s eight Oscar nominations are probably six too many. I think it will probably win that coveted Oscar for Best Production Design (an amazing looking Barbieland, with pastel hues of pink and blue engulfing an incredible set), and probably best song for Billie Eilish (“What Was I Made For?”). I’m not averse to Billie Eilish, but I do find her rather overrated as a singer/songwriter. This would be her second Oscar, if she wins. I think Bette should write a song for a movie, to top off that EGOT list!
As for Greta Gerwig, the thoughts that they may give her a Screenplay Oscar as a consolation prize, is probably misguided. The Academy rarely gives out consolation prizes, unless they are well deserved (as they did with “Cher” after missing out for “Silkwood” and “Mask”), and I don’t think Barbie (or Greta) falls into that category. Actually, when I think about dolls and toys that have been made into movies, such is “G.I. Joe” and “Transformers”, none of them have seriously been discussed as Oscar contenders. Not when you consider that the Academy tends to favor films such as “Ghandi”, “Chariots of Fire” and “Braveheart”. The fact that people are even discussing that “Barbie” was snubbed for anything, when it actually received 8 freaking Oscar nominations is a conversation that I just can’t carry. Margot Robbie is nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Film category.
As for Ryan Gosling, good for him for speaking up for Margot and Greta, but his performance was total cringe. Sometimes it doesn’t seem fair that supporting characters receive nominations when the main character doesn’t, but truth be told, sorry, Ryan, you shouldn’t have been nominated either. I don’t even think you should have been “Ken”. I’d like to think I have a keen eye for male handsomeness, but I tend to scratch my head when it comes to Ryan Gosling. He just wasn’t my choice for “Ken”. There’s just so many others out there……No offense, but sorry, next…I did like the blond hair, though…
I guess this movie is all about the male patriarchy, but as Bill Maher pointed out on “Real Time”, the corporate Board of Mattel is actually comprised of half men and half women (in reality), as opposed to the all-male Board in Barbie. It ends up being a point in the film that’s only half driven home.
I congratulate “Barbie” for exceeding expectations, but to gripe about its Oscar shortcomings in highly competitive categories is a bridge too far me. The real robbery occurred when Bette lost for “The Rose”. Take that, Sally Field!
And in the end, “Oppenheimer” is going to take home the most Oscar gold. Time to place your bets.
I absolutely agree 100 percent of what you said. And I loved your feistiness. I tried watching it twice and fell asleep both times. I never would have picked Ryan Gosling…I don’t get what others get about him. And I was appalled at how many Oscars Barbie racked up in the first place.
I saw it bc I had to take my 11 year old daughter and friends to see it. LOL.
I wasn’t expecting shit, but I thought it was a cute movie and surely, if anyone should get a nomination that would be Margot and or the director. Oh well… the irony LOL