Finley Sellers
Staff Writer
Greta Gerwig’s 2023 film, “Barbie”, starring Margot Robbie, was truly a love letter to all women. The film’s central theme, expressing that beauty appears in all different shapes, sizes, traits, personalities, and features was beautifully delivered through Robbie’s star performance. However, the one to receive the applause and credit was none other than her co-star Ryan Gosling.
The complete disregard of Margot Robbie’s phenomenal performance in “Barbie” as well as the lack of a mere nomination at the 2023 Oscars is not just disappointing, it’s symbolic of a deeply ingrained bias against women in Hollywood. While Ryan Gosling may have won the award for Best Supporting Actor, it’s no lie that Robbie’s performance should have been celebrated as well.
“Barbie” wasn’t just another movie; it was a message to the world from Gerwig, challenging the outdated notions of femininity and empowerment. And at the heart of this powerful narrative was Margot Robbie herself whose portrayal of Barbie became a symbol of empowerment for women everywhere.
From the moment Robbie appeared on the screen, she embodied the essence of Barbie with a depth and complexity that went far beyond the plastic facade. She represented a character that has been dismissed as superficial and one-dimensional for decades, infusing her with real, human emotions such as vulnerability and insecurity.
Through her performance, Robbie delivered a powerful message of self-acceptance, empowerment, and the importance of embracing one’s true identity in a world that often seeks to confine and define us.
Yet, despite the undeniable brilliance of Robbie’s performance, the Oscars chose to honor Ryan Gosling for his supporting role in a film that, while undoubtedly noteworthy, does not compare to what Margot Robbie brought to theaters. This decision not only undermines the importance of representation and diversity in Hollywood but sends a troubling message to aspiring actresses everywhere: that no matter how talented or amazing their work may be, they will most likely be overlooked for their male co-stars.
In Gerwig’s film, Ken’s character, played by Gosling, serves as a strong contrast to the empowering message embodied by Margot Robbie’s Barbie. Barbie’s role in the film was created to inspire women and embodies the toxic masculinity that seeks to control and dictate women’s lives. His character symbolizes the outdated notions of masculinity that perpetuate sexism and contribute to the marginalization of women in society.
Despite Gosling’s fantastic portrayal of Ken, it’s crucial to acknowledge the problematic nature of the character he represents. By honoring Gosling’s performance over Robbie’s in “Barbie,” the Oscars inadvertently sustain harmful stereotypes and overlook the importance of empowering women in our society today.
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