Oscars 2024: “Oppenheimer” Explodes with 13 Nominations, “Barbie” Snubbed in Director and Acting Categories
The 2024 Oscar nominations were unveiled today, revealing a battlefield dominated by two titans: Christopher Nolan’s World War II epic “Oppenheimer” with 13 nominations, and the cultural phenomenon “Barbie,” a live-action adaptation directed by the duo of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, nabbing 11 nods.
While both films captivated audiences and raked in box office millions, the nominations brought unexpected twists. Gerwig, despite co-writing the “Barbie” screenplay with Baumbach, missed out on a Best Director nomination, a surprising omission considering the film’s critical acclaim. Likewise, “Barbie” star Margot Robbie, who also serves as a producer for the Best Picture nominee, was absent from the acting categories.
Another notable snub was veteran actor Leonardo DiCaprio, who failed to secure an acting nomination for his role in “Killers of the Flower Moon.” This marks a rare miss for the Oscar-winning star, who has consistently dominated the awards season landscape throughout his career.
Despite these surprises, the nominations list offered a diverse and compelling selection of contenders across various categories. Notable inclusions include Lily Gladstone’s historic nomination for Best Actress, making her the first Native American performer to receive the honor, as well as Martin Scorsese’s record-breaking 13th Best Director nomination at the age of 81.
With such a competitive field, the 96th Academy Awards promise a night of nail-biting anticipation as Hollywood’s finest vie for the coveted golden statuettes. Whether “Oppenheimer” will detonate its way to glory or “Barbie” will stage a dazzling upset remains to be seen. The race is on, and the stage is set for an Oscar night to remember.
