Oscar Shocks: Biggest Snubs & Surprises

The Oscars, a dazzling beacon in the film world, annually celebrate cinematic excellence. Yet, at the 96th Academy Awards, a shadow was cast over the usually glittering event. The LGBTQ+ community faced a jarring snub, leaving many feeling like stars without a sky.

Major Misses: Films and Faces Overlooked

The spotlight missed some deserving contenders. All of Us Strangers and Strange Way of Life, despite their buzz, found no place in the nominee list. Todd Haynes, with his brilliant direction in May December, was surprisingly skipped in the Best Director category. His absence raised eyebrows, as a director’s vision is the heartbeat of a film’s success.

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The musical adaptation of The Color Purple also missed the Oscar bus. Its poignant portrayal of a lesbian romance, a narrative often left in the shadows, deserved a standing ovation, but alas, it was left backstage.

A surprise to everyone came when director Greta Gerwig did not receive a nomination for the highest-grossing film of the year, Barbie. Margot Robbie, who starred and produced the film alongside Gerwig, also was snubbed for a nomination. However, Ryan Gosling received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, and his song, “I’m Just Ken,” is up for Best Original Song. Understandably, fans are furious.

Gosling also spoke up about the nominations while also praising America Ferrera for her Best Supporting Actress nomination.

“I am extremely honored to be nominated by my colleagues alongside such remarkable artists in a year of so many great films,” Gosling said in a statement on Tuesday. “And I never thought I’d be saying this, but I’m also incredibly honored and proud that it’s for portraying a plastic doll named Ken. But there is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally-celebrated film. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius. To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement. Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture and they made history. Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees. Having said that, I am so happy for America Ferrera and the other incredible artists who contributed their talents to making this such a groundbreaking film.”

Silver Linings: Some Stars Shine Through

Despite the gloom, some rainbows appeared. Colman Domingo’s nomination for Best Actor in Rustin was a ray of hope, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ representation. Jodie Foster, for her role in Nyad, also received a nod. Domingo’s nomination is particularly noteworthy as he is the first Afro-Latino actor to be acknowledged in this category.

Final Curtain: The Quest for Inclusive Storytelling

The journey towards inclusivity in the film industry is ongoing. The Oscars are more than just awards; they’re a message to the world about the stories we value. 

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For a deeper dive into the world of LGBTQ+ representation in entertainment, visit Gayety's website and join the conversation about media inclusivity.

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