As expected, Barbie was one of three movies to dominate the 2024 Academy Awards nominations reveal, but it seems that not everyone was thrilled with the fantasy film’s success.
Atlanta actress Zazie Beetz and The Boys star Jack Quaid announced the nominees live from the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California, on Tuesday, with Barbie appearing in eight categories.
That list includes the movie’s signature anthem, “I’m Just Ken.” Performed by actor Ryan Gosling, the 80’s-inspired “power ballad” was nominated for Best Original Song. However, one audience member clearly wasn’t pleased with the choice, booing loudly.
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Fans watching at home took notice, sharing their thoughts on social media.
“Did someone just BOO I’m Just Ken at the #Oscars2024 nominations?” one person asked on X, formerly Twitter.
“When I’m just Ken sweeps then what,” said @strangerstiII.
“Ouch. Did you hear the boos when they announced ‘I’m Just Ken’?!” wrote Eliot Gonzalez.
Bob Lee Swagger said: “Whoever boo’d I’m Just Ken at the Oscar nominations I love you.”
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“I’m Just Ken” wasn’t the only Barbie track to receive a nod, with Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” also featuring in the Best Original Song category. The comedy was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, Costume and Production Design.
America Ferrera, who stars as Gloria, received a Best Supporting Actress Nomination, while Gosling was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his take on Ken.
However, Margot Robbie, who played the titular doll, missed out on the Best Actress nomination, while the movie’s director Greta Gerwig was also snubbed.
The omission of Barbie’s leading lady and director angered many fans, especially considering the film’s feminist messaging.
“Freakin ‘I’m just Ken’ song got nominated and NOT MARGOT ROBBIE OR GRETA???” wrote X user Veronica.
Greg Doherty/WireImage
“I knew Ryan Gosling was going to get more recognition than Margot as soon as they started pushing im just Ken on us,” said X user Katie.
“To prove the kind of society we live in, “Just Ken” got nominated for an Oscar, but Barbie [Margot Robbie] didn’t. Says it all, doesn’t it?” commented Lizzie.
Since awards season began, Barbie has racked up 363 nominations and 116 wins including a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award.
Other films to receive several nominations include Christopher Nolan’s wartime thriller Oppenheimer, which received 13 nominations. Yorgos Lanthimos’s Poor Things also received acclaim, landing 11 nominations—including a Best Actress nod for Emma Stone.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Laura Davis is an entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to Broadway, she offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
