‘Barbie’ was not ‘Kenough’ for the BAFTAs in surprising snub
“Barbie” was not “Kenough” for the Brits.
The nominations for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards — the BAFTAs — were released Thursday, but missing from the best film category was Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie’s juggernaut doll movie.
The roster instead included prestige favorites such as “Oppenheimer,” “Poor Things,” “The Holdovers,” “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Cannes Palme d’Or winner “Anatomy of a Fall,” all of which are expected to be announced as Best Picture Oscar nominees on Jan. 23.
“Oppenheimer,” which was the most-nominated film with 13 mentions, maintains its coveted spot as the movie to beat at the Oscars after big wins at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards.
“Barbie” wasn’t totally given the old heave-ho, though.
The film received five nods: Actress (Robbie), supporting actor (Ryan Gosling), original screenplay, costume design and production design.
But, in another snuberoo, Gerwig was also left off the best director list.
Her film is nonetheless widely expected to be among the 10 Best Picture Oscar nominees and score a large number of nominations thanks to its design elements and popular soundtrack.
Regardless, “Barbie” probably won’t win very much.
Yes, Billie Eilish and Finneas will likely emerge victorious in the Best Song category for “What Was I Made For?” But poor Gosling keeps losing to Robert Downey Jr. (“Oppenheimer”).
Robbie is well behind Emma Stone (“Poor Things”) and Lily Gladstone (“Killer of the Flower Moon”).
And the Best Adapted Screenplay race at the Oscars is stacked with formidable opponents such as “Oppenheimer,” “Flower Moon” and “Poor Things.”
Oscar chances for the movie have always been slim, despite solid nomination showings at lead-up award shows and a “For Your Consideration” screening in New York with a Q&A moderated by Academy Award nominee Tony Kushner.
In any case, Gerwig and Robbie should be consoled by the $1.4 billion their movie grossed at the worldwide box office.