America Ferrera’s Historic Oscar Nomination for “Barbie”: A Journey of Shock, Gratitude, and Celebration
A Star-Studded Morning Surprise
On the chilly morning of Tuesday, January 24, 2024, as Hollywood held its breath for the announcement of the Academy Award nominations, America Ferrera, the radiant star of the blockbuster comedy “Barbie,” found herself snuggled in bed, her eyes fixed on her phone as the news unfolded. The nomination for Best Supporting Actress, her maiden voyage into the Oscars, came as a delightful shock, leaving her momentarily questioning its reality.
“There was a moment where I wasn’t sure if I had made it up,” Ferrera confessed to Variety. “And then my phone started blowing up, so I figured I must have heard it right.”
The overwhelming emotion surrounding this milestone achievement has been one of shock and disbelief, with Ferrera struggling to fully process the magnitude of the moment. “I still haven’t really been able to get in my feelings because I’m still on like the top layer of ‘I can’t even believe that this is real,'” she explained.
The news of her nomination sparked an immediate outpouring of love and support from her “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” co-stars, Blake Lively, Amber Tamblyn, and Alexis Bledel, who FaceTimed her as a group. Ferrera described the moment as hilarious, funny, and emotional, cherishing the celebration and encouragement from her close friends and fellow actresses.
The “Barbie” cast and crew, scattered across the globe, also exchanged congratulatory messages, expressing their collective excitement and gratitude. Ferrera acknowledged the overwhelming love and support she received, feeling deeply grateful for the recognition and appreciation.
A Disappointment Amidst the Jubilation
Despite the celebratory mood surrounding “Barbie”‘s Oscar nominations, Ferrera expressed disappointment over the omission of Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie from the Best Director and Best Actress categories, respectively.
Gerwig, who co-wrote and directed “Barbie” with Noah Baumbach, was widely considered a frontrunner for a Best Director nomination, having garnered recognition from the Critics Choice, Golden Globes, and Directors Guild of America Awards. Her exclusion from the Academy’s list of nominees came as a surprise to many.
“Greta has done just about everything that a director could do to deserve it,” Ferrera asserted. “Creating this world, and taking something that didn’t have inherent value to most people and making it a global phenomenon. It feels disappointing to not see her on that list.”
Ferrera also expressed admiration for Robbie’s performance in “Barbie,” describing it as “truly unbelievable.” She praised Robbie’s ability to make complex acting seem effortless, highlighting her skill as a master actress. Despite Robbie’s snub in the Best Actress category, she did receive a Best Picture nomination for producing “Barbie.”
Celebrating Representation and Diversity
On a more positive note, Ferrera acknowledged the progress made in terms of representation in the acting races. Her own nomination as a Latina, alongside two Black actresses (Danielle Brooks and Da’Vine Joy Randolph) and Jodie Foster as a gay woman playing a gay character, marked a significant step forward.
“It feels great to see the range of women that are being acknowledged in the supporting actress category and so excited that Lily Gladstone was in the Best Actress category as well,” Ferrera remarked. “We should be getting to enjoy the work and performances of all different kinds of artists. Opportunities were created for these artists to do their work. It’s exciting to see that those opportunities did exist in this in this year of film for women of color to get to shine and be a part of the of the best filmmaking of the year.”
Ferrera emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for diverse artists to showcase their talents and contribute to the best cinema of the year. The recognition of these artists, she believes, is a testament to the growing inclusivity and diversity in the film industry.
A Call for More Female-Directed Films
Ferrera also addressed the historical significance of “Barbie” being one of three films directed by women to earn a Best Picture nomination. She expressed her belief that this achievement is a step in the right direction, emphasizing the need for more female filmmakers to tell diverse stories that resonate with audiences.
“It’s as it should be,” Ferrera stated. “Women filmmakers telling all different kinds of stories that resonate in different ways in the culture is the goal. I would love to see even even more female-directed movies on the list and to see more female directors acknowledged for making the best cinema of the year.”
Ferrera’s call for more female-directed films reflects a growing demand for gender equality and representation in the film industry. The recognition of “Barbie” and other films directed by women is a positive sign of progress, signaling a shift towards a more inclusive and diverse cinematic landscape.
A Moment of Reflection and Gratitude
As Ferrera navigates the whirlwind of emotions surrounding her Oscar nomination, she takes a moment to reflect on the journey that led her to this historic moment. The “Barbie” experience, she confides, has been a long and transformative one, extending over years of dedication and collaboration with Gerwig, Robbie, Baumbach, and the entire cast and crew.
“It’s been a long ‘Barbie’ journey — I mean longer even for Greta and Margot and Noah, it’s been years and years and years — everyone’s really excited that we get to celebrate and to end this journey at the biggest party of the year,” Ferrera said.
The nomination, she acknowledges, is a culmination of years of hard work, passion, and dedication to her craft. It is a testament to her talent, resilience, and commitment to telling stories that resonate with audiences. As she prepares for the Academy Awards ceremony, Ferrera carries with her the love and support of her family, friends, and colleagues, cherishing this moment of recognition and celebration.