So you've all heard the hype, right? The Oscar nominations were revealed and lo and behold, Greta and Margot didn't get nominated. So comes a wave of raging feminists that want to comment on the sheer irony of the situation.
The most influential, inspirational, educational girl power movie of all time produced and directed by two absolute powerhouse women who took the world by the balls and said 'here; look at my vulva', and who should get nominated for their performance? A man. No offence Ryan.
Yes, the irony is not lost on me. In fact, it provides more evidence and support for the patriarchal system the movie sought to highlight in the first place, right? And more traction means more awareness, more awareness means more chance of change. Which is what we're all working towards, after all.
What is utterly ridiculous, is how far people are willing to take this. I mean, did you just skim over the fact that America Ferrera has been nominated for Best Supporting Actress? Never, ever have I seen another force of power so compelling, as America in THAT monologue.
Let me just remind you of the words:
"It is literally impossible to be a woman. You are so beautiful, and so smart, and it kills me that you don't think you're good enough. Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow, we're always doing it wrong.
You have to be thin, but not too thin. And you can never say you want to be thin. You have to want to be healthy, but you also have to be thin.
You have to have money, but you can't ask for money because that's crass. You have to be a boss, but you can't be mean. You have to lead, but you can't squash other people's ideas.
You're supposed to love being a mother, but don't talk about your kids all the damn time. You have to be a career woman, but also, always be looking out for other people.
You have to answer for men's bad behaviour which is insane, but if you point that out, you're accused of complaining. You're supposed to stay pretty for men, but not so pretty that you tempt them too much or that you threaten other women because you're supposed to be part of the sisterhood. But always stand out and always be grateful. But never forget that the system is rigged. So find a way to acknowledge that but also, always be grateful.
You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down. Never fail, never show fear, never get out of line.
It's too hard.
It's to contradictory and nobody gives you a medal or says thank you. And it turns out in fact that not only are you doing everything wrong, but also, everything is your fault.
I'm just so tired of watching myself and every single woman tie herself into knots so that people will like us. And if all of that is true for a doll just representing women, then I don't even know."
- America Ferrera, 2023, The Barbie Movie.
I mean, need I say anymore on the subject?! (Well I did at the time and you can read that here.)
Margot is such a fantastic actress and she has won many awards for her performances, plus she's THE Barbie!! There is no denying her talent and the amazing contribution she had to The Barbie Movie. Greta Gerwig has been recognized as a movie director unlike any other female ever has before. She is talented, powerful and the force of change that we so desperately needed.
Plus, Barbie managed to clinch nods in multiple other categories! This includes Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor (Ryan Gosling), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Costume Design, Best Original Song (for both "I'm Just Ken" and "What Was I Made For?"), and Best Production Design.
The Oscar nominations do not take away the power The Barbie Movie holds, they absolute add fuel to that girl power fire with the outstanding category nominations it did receive. So let's continue to celebrate that power, be Barbie's biggest fans when it comes to awards night, and stop being so dramatic (pun completely intended) with this bullshit.
Barbie is STILL representing all girls and I am so here for it.
