US actor Ryan Gosling has said "there is no Ken without Barbie," after he was nominated for an Oscar for his Barbie performance, while co-star Margot Robbie and filmmaker Great Gerwig were snubbed in the Best Actress and Best Director categories.
The year's biggest hit, Barbie, scooped eight nominations overall, including best picture; Ryan Gosling for best supporting actor; and two best-song candidates in What Was I Made For and I'm Just Ken.
In a statement released today, Gosling said despite being "incredibly honoured and proud" to receive the recognition for his portrayal of the plastic Ken doll, it was a bittersweet moment.
"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," he said.
"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."
Gosling acknowledged fellow Barbie co-star America Ferrera who was nominated for the first time in her career in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Gloria.
He continued: "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.”
Fans quickly took to social media to slam the Academy’s decision.
"Ryan Gosling getting a nomination and Margot Robbie and Greta Gerwig NOT getting nominations feels like something happening in the Barbie movie to further illustrate the point of the Barbie movie," one posted to X.
Another wrote: "They played such crucial roles in the making of the Barbie movie, and their contributions shouldn't go unnoticed".
Barbie has made nearly $1.5 billion to date and became the highest-grossing film ever from a female filmmaker at the domestic box office, as well as the top-earning worldwide film of 2023.
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