Jimmy Kimmel Criticizes Academy for Overlooking 'Barbie' Director Greta Gerwig in 2024 Oscars Opener

Feature Jimmy Kimmel Praises Barbie Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie at 2024 Oscars

Jimmy Kimmel Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Jimmy Kimmel started off the 2024 Academy Awards by talking about the biggest topic of this awards season: the Oscar snubs of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie.

During his opening monologue on Sunday, March 10, the 56-year-old host mentioned how Greta Gerwig turned Barbie into a feminist icon and many felt she should have been nominated for Best Director. He joked about the attendees who clapped at his comment, teasing them by saying, "I know you're clapping, but you're the ones who didn't vote for her, by the way. Don't act like you had nothing to do with this."

Kimmel praised the film's star and producer, Margot Robbie, for her success in putting together a successful film. He jokingly pointed out her seating placement behind costar Ryan Gosling, saying, "Ryan and Margot, even if you don't win an Oscar tonight, you've already won something more important: the genetic lottery."

Ending the Barbie discussion, the late night host playfully called Ryan Gosling "so hot," suggesting they go camping together without telling their wives.

Kimmel mentioned Barbie's box office success, highlighting how the film transformed a once unpopular plastic doll into a cultural phenomenon. He humorously shared that his wife, Molly McNearney, was more likely to buy their daughter cigarettes than a Barbie doll before the movie's release. (Kimmel and McNearney have a daughter Jane, 9, and son Billy, 6.)

The internet buzzed in January when Robbie and Gerwig, 40, were snubbed for Best Actress in a Leading Role and Best Director nominations, despite their recognition in the 2023/2024 awards season. Despite this, Barbie received eight Oscar nominations, including nods for Best Picture, Best Original Song, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Production Design, and Best Costume Design.

Jimmy Kimmel Praises Barbie Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie at 2024 Oscars

Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie Getty Images (2)

Gosling, who is 43 years old, and America Ferrera are the only two acting nominees for the film. They were recognized for their supporting roles as Ken and Gloria.

In a statement on January 23, Gosling expressed his gratitude towards Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie for their contributions to the film. He mentioned that without them, there would be no Ken or Barbie in the movie. Gosling also shared his disappointment that Gerwig and Robbie were not nominated in their categories.

Ferrera expressed her disappointment over the exclusion of Robbie and Gerwig from the nominations. She praised their phenomenal work and believed they deserved recognition for the history they made and the artistic ground they broke.

Robbie, who was also a producer on Barbie, finally spoke out at a SAG-AFTRA screening of the film. She shared her gratitude for her blessings and acknowledged Greta's exceptional directing skills, describing it as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Despite the snub, she reflected on the incredible year for all films.

Editor's P/S:

Jimmy Kimmel's opening monologue at the 2024 Academy Awards highlighted the Academy's controversial snub of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie for their groundbreaking work on "Barbie." Kimmel's remarks emphasized the film's critical and commercial success, as well as the industry's failure to recognize Gerwig's exceptional directing and Robbie's transformative performance. The snub sparked outrage among critics and audiences alike, who felt that the film's impact on popular culture and its feminist themes deserved recognition.

Despite the awards season disappointment, "Barbie" received eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay. This recognition acknowledges the film's artistry and craftsmanship, even if it failed to fully honor its two most deserving creators. The snub also raises questions about the Academy's voting process and its ability to keep pace with evolving cinematic landscapes and cultural conversations. in the top categories remains a disappointing oversight.