Title: Michael Cera Dismisses the Perceived Oscars “Snubs” of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie in “Barbie”: The Real Win is in Audiences’ Love
In the aftermath of the Oscar nominations, the absence of Greta Gerwig for best director and Margot Robbie for best actress in “Barbie” ignited a wave of criticism and frustration. The internet was abuzz with think pieces that decried the patriarchy’s influence on the entertainment industry and memes mocking Ryan Gosling, who received a nomination for his role as Ken. Even Hillary Clinton weighed in with her disappointment, expressing her support for both Gerwig and Robbie via Twitter.
However, not everyone saw the Academy’s decisions as snubs. Michael Cera, who portrayed the lovable and quirky best friend Allan in “Barbie,” took a more optimistic view when speaking to CNN on the red carpet at the SAG Awards. With “Barbie” tying with “Oppenheimer” for the most nominations, Cera emphasized that the film’s success and recognition from audiences was a significant achievement.
“I understand the reaction being perceived as a diss,” Cera acknowledged, “but I don’t see it that way. The movie’s nomination is an incredible accomplishment.”
Gerwig and Robbie may not have been recognized in their respective individual categories, but “Barbie” still managed to secure eight Oscar nominations. Cera believed that the focus should be on the film’s triumph rather than any perceived losses.
“I don’t think either Greta or Margot’s sense of success on the project hinges on those nominations,” Cera expressed. “The fact that the movie did well and was loved by audiences is really the best thing we could ask for.”
When addressing the irony of Gosling’s nomination for Ken while Gerwig and Robbie were overlooked, Cera laughed it off with a lighthearted comment: “Yeah, the world isn’t completely changed just because of this movie yet.”
Some cast members expressed disappointment more openly. Gosling and America Ferrera shared their frustration about the Oscar nominations, with Ferrera stating that it was “an understatement” to express her disappointment regarding Gerwig and Robbie’s omissions.
Despite this, both Gerwig and Robbie took the high road when addressing the situation. In a recent conversation with SAG-AFTRA, Robbie praised Gerwig’s work and acknowledged the incredible year for films as a whole. Meanwhile, Gerwig spoke to Time magazine about her support for Robbie, stating that she was just happy they could all be present together at the Oscars.
“Barbie” grossed over $1.4 billion worldwide, making Gerwig the highest-grossing female director of all time and the first woman to helm a film that surpassed one billion dollars. With the success of “Barbie,” it’s plausible that a spinoff centering around Allan could be in the works. Cera, for his part, expressed enthusiasm about the prospect: “As long as Greta is somehow endorsing it or involved in it – otherwise, I’d be a little dubious.”
