Barbie enjoyed a renaissance with the release of 2023’s Barbie movie, directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Margot Robbie as the titular doll brought to life. Several aspects of the film ended up critically acclaimed, yet when it came time for Oscar honors, the nomination went not to either woman but to Ryan Gosling, who played Ken, a move that’s drawn criticism from countless fans, including John Stamos.
Barbie follows Barbie and Ken on a journey of self-discovery as they explore their stations in Barbieland and the real world, with Ken finding delight in the patriarchy and Barbie dismayed by how women’s lives actually are as they’re held to impossible standards while also being trodden on. Stamos and his wife Caitlin McHugh teamed up to express their disappointment that Robbie and Gerwig were overlooked in the film they had such crucial parts in making successful.
John Stamos slams ‘Barbie’ leads Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie getting snubbed by the Oscars
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On Tuesday morning, the Oscars announced that Gosling was nominated for Best Supporting Actor, while Robbie and Gerwig, who were favorites for nominations, were not listed. Stamos and McHugh channeled their own surprise and disappointment into a powerful message.
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Following the announcement, Stamos shared a video on Instagram featuring himself and McHugh recreating a scene from Barbie. It shows McHugh meticulously tending to the garden while Stamos tries to wander about the yard, usually injuring himself in the process. Audio from the movie recounts a scene when Barbie asks Ken to not hover during their trip to the real world, while also not wandering too far.
“This one goes out to Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie who crafted a film that was both a critical success and a cultural phenomenon, delving into feminist themes through the lens of Barbie and challenging patriarchal norms,” Stamos captioned the post.
Stamos continued to muse, “This movie not only resonated deeply, but also grossed OVER a billion dollars. Yet, in a twist of irony, both women were snubbed by the Academy. Everyone go re-watch Barbie tonight.”
What it means to be Barbie
Gosling was right there with Stamos in support of Gerwig and Robbie.
“I am extremely honored to be nominated by my colleagues alongside such remarkable artists in a year of so many great films,” Gosling said in a statement following his nomination. “And I never thought I’d being saying this, but I’m also incredible honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken.”
“But,” he continued, “there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no ‘Barbie’ movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally celebrated film. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius. To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”
He continued, “Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture and they made history. Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees. Having said that, I am so happy for America Ferrera and the other incredible artists who contributed their talents to making this such a groundbreaking film.”
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