“I’m sorry it happened to them”: Michelle Yeoh Reacts to Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie Snub After Setting Her Own Oscar Record
The revelation of Oscar snubs has ignited a fervent and ongoing discussion in the wake of the 96th Academy Awards announcement on January 23rd. Notably, last year’s blockbuster hit, the Barbie movie featuring Margot Robbie, has emerged as a focal point in this debate.
As the nominations were unveiled, the conspicuous absence of accolades for Robbie and director Greta Gerwig’s collaboration in the Barbie movie has become a source of controversy.
The discourse surrounding Oscar snubs reached new heights when acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh weighed in on the matter. Yeoh’s reaction to the oversight added fuel to the already intensifying debate. Fans and supporters of the film are puzzled by the unchecked nominations for their favorite Barbie movie.
Michelle Yeoh Joins Industry Outcry Over the Surprising Oscar Snub of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie
The buzz surrounding the 2024 Academy Award nominations has been dominated by the blockbuster hit film Barbie, which secured a coveted spot in the Best Picture category. However, the excitement over this accomplishment was tempered by a wave of disappointment. the names of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie were notably absent from the nominations for Best Director and Best Actress, respectively.
The unexpected exclusion of these two influential figures from the acclaimed Barbie movie has triggered widespread discussion within the entertainment industry. Michelle Yeoh, a distinguished actress who claimed the Best Actress Oscar the previous year for Everything Everywhere All at Once, shared her perspective on the controversy.
Yeoh expressed deep disappointment over the fact that a film as successful as Barbie could secure a nomination for Best Picture but fall short of earning recognition for its director. Yeoh told Today,
“jjoyand disappointment, it seems to go hand in hand. “For us, it’s like, it’s not enough nominations to go around. The only take is that it’s so competitive out there and there’s no guarantee because you’re not the only voter. It’s widespread. Thank God the movie got nominated for best picture. But, you do think, how do you get nominated for best picture but not best director and best actress? But it happens.”
Her sentiments echoed the confusion over the oversight, considering the movie’s success. Fellow cast members, America Ferrera and Ryan Gosling, nominated for Best Supporting Actress and Best Supporting Actor, also expressed disappointment. Yet, the film’s fewer-than-expected Oscar nods won’t diminish fans’ love.
Michelle Yeoh’s Oscar Triumph Set a Historic Milestone
The allure of an Oscar nomination holds a special place in the hearts of many celebrities. But when it comes to etching one’s name in the annals of Oscar wins with historic significance, the spotlight shines brightly on the esteemed actress Michelle Yeoh. In 2023, Yeoh carved her place in cinematic history by becoming the first Asian woman to clinch the coveted Best Actress award at the 95th Academy Awards.
Yeoh’s groundbreaking win was attributed to her remarkable performance in the multiversal masterpiece, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Notably, Yeoh’s victory came nearly nine decades after Luise Rainer, a white actor, won the same category for portraying a Chinese character in yellowface in the film The Good Earth. Yeoh said while taking the award (via Today),
“For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibility. This is proof that dreams dream big and dreams do come true. And ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re past your prime.”
In the competitive Best Actress category, Michelle Yeoh faced formidable contenders, including Cate Blanchett (Tár), Michelle Williams (The Fabelmans), Ana de Armas (Blonde), and Andrea Riseborough (To Leslie). However, it was Yeoh’s stellar performance that captivated the industry, securing her place in history.
