Margot Robbie as Barbie | Images: Instagram/@margotrobbieofficial, Warner Bros.
Margot Robbie is taking up the cudgels for her “Barbie” the movie director Greta Gerwig, who has not been nominated for the 96th Academy Awards, citing the latter’s “once-in-a-career, once-in-a-lifetime” contribution to filmmaking, and their movie’s impact to the world.
Robbie herself received an Oscar snub for her role in “Barbie,” but she said during a Q&A hosted by the Academy Museum on Tuesday, January 29 (Wednesday, Jan. 30 in the Philippines): “There’s no way to feel sad when you know you’re this blessed.”
She noted that Gerwig should have been recognized given the exceptional work she did directing one of the most critically acclaimed films of 2023.
“Obviously, I think Greta should be nominated as a director. What she did is a once-in-a-career, once-in-a-lifetime thing. What she pulled off, it really is. But it’s been an incredible year for all the films,” said Robbie.
The award-winning actress underscored that she felt beyond happy for the eight Oscar nominations that their film received, noting that it’s the cultural impact that’s the “biggest reward” they have gotten.
“Everyone getting the nods that they’ve had is just incredible, and the best picture nod. We set out to do something that would shift culture, affect culture, just make some sort of impact. And it’s already done that and some, way more than we ever dreamed it would. And that is truly the biggest reward that could come out of all of this,” she explained.
Given that “Barbie” was well-received by the audience, Robbie said that it’s the first time in her career that she felt the meaningful reaction from the viewers given the significant connection they made with the movie.
“People’s reactions to the movie have been the biggest reward of this entire experience. Whether it’s seeing what people are writing online, or even just seeing how much pink I can see in this room right now. I’ve never been a part of something like this. Not like this,” she said.
“I’ve done comic book stuff and that gets a big reaction, but this felt very different. It still feels very different. And I can’t think of a time when a movie’s had this effect on culture. And it’s amazing to be in the eye of the storm,” added the actress.