The year 2023 etches itself into Hollywood history as the era dominated by Barbenheimer. Hitting the screens with a synchronized splash in July, Barbie and Oppenheimer not only conquered the box office with a financial prowess of $1.4 billion and $1 billion respectively, but also left a clear mark on the awards circuit and literary conversations. As the Oscars unfold, Oppenheimer, like a monarch in a grand chess game is ready to sweep away major accolades.

Yet, in this riveting saga, Margot Robbie, who faced an Oscar snub, emerged as the dark horse. She held the trump card and eclipsed Cillian Murphy‘s presence on the Hollywood stage of a coveted list.

Oscar snub turned victory for Margot Robbie

Despite the Oscars overlooking Margot Robbie for Best Actress in Barbie, her spirit remained untamed. Meanwhile, the film still bagged an impressive eight Academy Awards nominations. The Forbes list of highest-paid actors for 2023 added a captivating chapter to Robbie’s story, as she claimed the runner-up spot with a jaw-dropping $59 million, trailing only behind Adam Sandler. Beyond the sheer numbers, Robbie’s triumph at the youthful age of 33 made her the rebel in a list dominated by those north of 52.

This shook up the status quo and proved that age is no barricade when it comes to Hollywood success. In this saga of resilience and rebellion, Robbie’s financial victory became a beacon of inspiration, whereas Murphy was nowhere in sight. She defied the industry norms that typically favor seasoned actors with decades of residuals. Her ascent challenges the predetermined salary structures of Tinseltown, where stars are expected to match or exceed their last paychecks.

Robbie ensured her spirit remained unbroken despite the Oscar snub, maintaining a positive outlook on the situation.

Defying Oscar snub with unbroken spirit

Margot Robbie gracefully handled the storm of criticism following her perceived Oscar snub. She emphasized that the film Barbie had already pulled off a cultural coup. Despite the absence of her name in the Best Actress category, where the film garnered eight nominations, Robbie maintained a positive spin on the situation. Fellow actors, like Ryan Gosling and America Ferrera, echoed their disappointment, with Robert Downey Jr. adding his disapproval during a roundtable discussion on his own nomination.

In a Deadline-reported panel, Robbie acknowledged the cinematic triumphs of the year and stood behind Greta Gerwig’s groundbreaking directorial work. The actress’ musings transcended individual nominations, highlighting that the cultural impact of Barbie, soaring as the biggest hit of 2023, overshadowed any awards ceremony recognition. The actress underscored that the film’s ability to make a significant mark on culture was the grand prize. Moreover, leaving any Oscar snubs merely as minor bumps in the star-studded road.

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