Is Robert Irwin renouncing his US citizenship over this shocking Oscar snub?
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 34
The world of cinema was left in shock when the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) announced the Oscar nominations for 2024.
Among the surprises was the omission of Margot Robbie and Director Greta Gerwig from the Best Actress and Best Director categories, respectively, for their work on the box office sensation Barbie.
The snub has sparked outrage among fans and industry insiders, including Australian wildlife conservationist and celebrity Robert Irwin.
Irwin, known for his passionate advocacy for wildlife and his charismatic television appearances, has now become an unexpected voice in the debate over the Academy's decision.
During an appearance on the popular Australian talk show, The Project, the 20-year-old expressed his disbelief and disappointment over the Academy's oversight.
'That's ridiculous. Come on,' he began, echoing the sentiments of many fans worldwide.
'[Director] Greta [Gerwig] and Margot made that movie. That's the reason why we have the Barbie movie, it's ridiculous.'
The Barbie film, which became the highest-grossing film of 2023, was lauded for its innovative storytelling and powerful performances, particularly by Robbie in the titular role.
The film's success was further amplified when Ryan Gosling, who played Ken, received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, leading many to question the Academy's decision to overlook Robbie and Gerwig.
The controversy took an unexpected turn when The Project's co-host, Waleed Aly, asked Irwin if he would consider renouncing his American citizenship over the perceived injustice.
To the surprise of many, Irwin responded, 'I think it only makes sense.'
The outrage over the Oscar nominations has sparked a broader conversation about representation and recognition in Hollywood.
Some social media commentators have pointed to sexism as a potential factor in the snub, despite America Ferrera's nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the same film.
The Barbie film did receive recognition in other categories, including Best Picture and Best Original Song for Ryan Gosling's musical number, 'I'm Just Ken,' penned by songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.
Singer Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell also received recognition for their song ‘What Was I Made For?’ written for Barbie.
‘Ryan Gosling, while deserving, got an Oscar nomination for Barbie while Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie didn’t?' wrote one outraged fan on social media
'Completely proving the point of the movie in 2024, you cannot make this up,’ another said, referring to the movie’s feminist themes.
Even though Margot is not competing for the title of Best Lead Actress, the film itself is a contender for the Best Picture category.
This implies that she has indeed received a nomination as a producer.
This isn’t the first time Margot Robbie’s name has been put under scrutiny. It comes after Robbie admitted to feeling weary of the constant spotlight and the pressures of fame, which led her to contemplate taking a temporary retreat from the public eye.
In a candid interview, Robbie also shared her fears about overexposure.
You can read more about her sentiments here.
What are your thoughts on the Oscar nominations? Do you agree with Robert Irwin's sentiments? Let us know in the comments below.
Among the surprises was the omission of Margot Robbie and Director Greta Gerwig from the Best Actress and Best Director categories, respectively, for their work on the box office sensation Barbie.
The snub has sparked outrage among fans and industry insiders, including Australian wildlife conservationist and celebrity Robert Irwin.
Irwin, known for his passionate advocacy for wildlife and his charismatic television appearances, has now become an unexpected voice in the debate over the Academy's decision.
During an appearance on the popular Australian talk show, The Project, the 20-year-old expressed his disbelief and disappointment over the Academy's oversight.
'That's ridiculous. Come on,' he began, echoing the sentiments of many fans worldwide.
'[Director] Greta [Gerwig] and Margot made that movie. That's the reason why we have the Barbie movie, it's ridiculous.'
The Barbie film, which became the highest-grossing film of 2023, was lauded for its innovative storytelling and powerful performances, particularly by Robbie in the titular role.
The film's success was further amplified when Ryan Gosling, who played Ken, received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, leading many to question the Academy's decision to overlook Robbie and Gerwig.
The controversy took an unexpected turn when The Project's co-host, Waleed Aly, asked Irwin if he would consider renouncing his American citizenship over the perceived injustice.
To the surprise of many, Irwin responded, 'I think it only makes sense.'
The outrage over the Oscar nominations has sparked a broader conversation about representation and recognition in Hollywood.
Some social media commentators have pointed to sexism as a potential factor in the snub, despite America Ferrera's nomination for Best Supporting Actress for the same film.
The Barbie film did receive recognition in other categories, including Best Picture and Best Original Song for Ryan Gosling's musical number, 'I'm Just Ken,' penned by songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt.
Singer Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas O’Connell also received recognition for their song ‘What Was I Made For?’ written for Barbie.
‘Ryan Gosling, while deserving, got an Oscar nomination for Barbie while Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie didn’t?' wrote one outraged fan on social media
'Completely proving the point of the movie in 2024, you cannot make this up,’ another said, referring to the movie’s feminist themes.
Even though Margot is not competing for the title of Best Lead Actress, the film itself is a contender for the Best Picture category.
This implies that she has indeed received a nomination as a producer.
This isn’t the first time Margot Robbie’s name has been put under scrutiny. It comes after Robbie admitted to feeling weary of the constant spotlight and the pressures of fame, which led her to contemplate taking a temporary retreat from the public eye.
In a candid interview, Robbie also shared her fears about overexposure.
You can read more about her sentiments here.
Key Takeaways
- Robert Irwin has criticised the Academy for not nominating Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig for their work on the film Barbie, despite its commercial success.
- The film's omission from the acting categories has sparked discussions on social media, with some suggesting sexism played a part in the decision.
- Ryan Gosling received a nomination for his role as Ken, which has heightened the controversy around the lack of recognition for Robbie and Gerwig.
- Although Robbie missed out on a Best Actress nomination, the film Barbie is nominated for Best Picture, and she has been recognised as a producer.