The debate is settled. Margot Robbie’s Barbie failed to get an Original Screenplay nomination for its script written by Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach at the 96th Oscars. However, the film did manage to land a nomination in the Adapted Screenplay category, finally putting the debate over the screenplay being adapted or original to rest. Despite missing out on the Original Screenplay selection, it is a big win for the flick’s makers. 

After all, the vivid aesthetics of Greta Gerwig’s Barbie were not the only thing that caught audiences’ attention last year. Its sarcasm-laden dialogues were inspired by themes that many resonated with, courtesy of Gerwig and her husband. Fans can raise their flags in victory for now as the nomination may just lead to a much-deserved win.

Here is a rundown of the flicks that Barbie will be contending with in the Adapted Screenplay category.

Barbie vs 4 flicks that stand in its Oscar win’s way

Besides Gerwig and Baumbach’s ingenious layered script, other films whose screenplay was recognized as possible winners in the same category include its foremost nemesis, Oppenheimer. For the war drama flick, Christopher Nolan will go up against Gerwig and Baumbach for the award. Another war flick nominated in this category is The Zone of Interest.

Besides these, two dramedy flicks have also entered the arena. One is American Fiction by director Cord Jefferson who also served as its writer and is hence nominated for the screenplay bit. The second is the surreal, critically acclaimed comedy, Poor Things, for which Tony McNamara landed the nomination. 

Another category in which Barbie has a horse in the race is the Male Supporting Actor. 

Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera could be Robbie and Gerwig’s retribution 

Unfortunately, neither Barbie’s lead actress, Margot Robbie nor director, Greta Gerwig enjoyed a nomination in their primary categories. Still, Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera became the saving grace as their excellent portrayals of Ken and Gloria landed them supporting actor and actress nominations. Well, they could be the only ones to hoist Barbie‘s bright pink flag at the 2024 Oscars. 

Besides smaller categories like Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay, the La La Land actor and Ugly Betty sensation are the only ones representing Barbie in the main categories. So, fans are banking on them to win so the much-loved flick can boast of an Oscar win this year. 

Do you agree with the category that Barbie’s screenplay was nominated for? Share your thoughts in the comments.