Barbie Won't Get That 'Best Picture' Oscar in 2024 Despite All the Hype
Popularity doesn't equal artistic recognition.
The first month of fall is almost over, and 2023 is quickly drawing to its end. However, there are still a bunch of highly anticipated premieres to be released before the next year takes the stage. For example, Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon will make its theatrical debut in late October. Nonetheless, it's not the movie everyone's talking about, even though it stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Greta Gerwig's Barbie remains the ultimate talk of the town.
Released on July 21, Barbie was this summer's smash hit. The star-studded film, which follows the adventures of the eponymous Mattel doll, was warmly received by audiences and critics, who admired its lighthearted yet socially resonant narrative. Greta Gerwig's comedy went on to become the highest-grossing premiere of the year, earning an astounding $1.43 billion at the box office. Naturally, many people see it winning the Best Picture nomination at the 2024 Oscars. However, that may not be the case.
More Prominent Competitors
The 96th Academy Awards will take place in March 2024, and many films will be vying for a number of prestigious awards. Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, and Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things will be fierce competition for Barbie to overcome. Given the seriousness of the issues these films address, Barbie has the least chance of success in the Best Picture category, despite the film's social commentary.
For example, Nolan's and Scorsese's films explore the historical issues of World War II and the consequences of America's colonization, respectively. In other words, Oppenheimer and Killers of the Flower Moon are more artistically valuable. Barbie, despite its wit and originality, cannot compete.
Hype Doesn't Count in the Oscars Race
Greta Gerwig's pink-hued comedy was arguably the most anticipated premiere of the year. Ever since Barbie's teaser was released in December 2022 and the trailer dropped in May, fans have been hyped. This has made the movie's financial performance more than impressive. However, its immense popularity will hardly matter to the Oscar committee.
Hopefully, Barbie will get the recognition it deserves at the 96th Academy Awards. But it's unlikely to win the coveted Best Picture award.