Barbie's Bold Move: Shaking Up Hollywood with Original Screenplay Campaign

Summary

The decision to campaign for the Barbie movie to be considered for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars has sparked backlash online.

The film's connection to a toy brand has sparked debate over its eligibility for the Best Original Screenplay category. However, its fresh approach to the Barbie brand may still secure it a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, thanks to its affiliation with the established franchise.

Barbie is officially vying for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, leading to puzzled criticism on the internet. The plot revolves around Margot Robbie's Barbie, who ventures out of Barbieland in search of her true identity in the real world. Despite having its own unique storyline, the film remains rooted in the Mattel toy brand of the same name.

According to Variety, Warner Bros. has initiated a campaign for the Barbie movie to be considered for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars. This decision has sparked confusion among online users, who argue that since the film is based on a toy brand, it should compete in the Best Adapted Screenplay category. Take a look at some of the comments about the campaign below:

The Tumboy highlights that the Barbie movie's reliance on the audience's familiarity with the doll line raises concerns about its status as a truly original creation.

Kay mentions that Glass Onion, a sequel to Knives Out, is classified as an adapted screenplay due to the inclusion of Daniel Craig's character, Benoit Blanc. This suggests that Barbie may also be categorized similarly, despite its promotional efforts.

John DiLillo points out the unmistakable connection between the film and the popular doll line, emphasizing that although the movie may have its own unique storyline, it is based on an existing product predating its release.

Drawing attention to certain technicalities, James Preston Poole mentions examples of original films that have been categorized as adapted screenplays. This serves to underscore the unlikelihood of Barbie receiving a nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

Does Barbie's Screenplay Qualify As Original?

The story of the Barbie movie introduces numerous unique aspects not found in any other adaptation of the iconic character. By recognizing Barbie's identity as a doll, the movie serves as a platform to pay homage to the beloved toy line and provide insightful commentary on its rich history. The remarkable success of Barbie at the box office highlights the deep connection the film has forged with a broader audience.

Despite its unique take on the brand, the film is unlikely to receive a Best Original Screenplay nomination. This is mainly due to the fact that it is based on a pre-existing toy line, which diminishes its chances of a successful campaign. Consequently, the Academy is more inclined to consider the film for Best Adapted Screenplay, regardless of Warner Bros.' lack of campaign in that category. Please note: "the Academy" refers to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Barbie's exceptional success makes it highly probable that it will receive multiple Oscar nominations. The specific categories in which it may be nominated are uncertain, but the film is expected to be recognized across various genres. The remarkable craftsmanship, as well as the outstanding writing, directing, and performances, have left a lasting impression. Should this screenplay not receive any nominations, it would undoubtedly be seen as a significant oversight.