In a stunning turn of events, the box office sensation “Barbie” has received an impressive eight Oscar nominations, but its leading lady Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig find themselves snubbed in significant categories. As the film industry eagerly awaits the glitz and glamour of the upcoming Oscars ceremony, let’s delve into the surprises, shocks, and the leading contenders.

The Snubs:

Greta Gerwig, despite her directorial prowess, missed out on a best director nomination. However, the inclusion of Justine Triet’s “Anatomy of a Fall” ensures a touch of diversity in the lineup. Despite this setback, Gerwig secured a nomination for best adapted screenplay, and Robbie was recognized as a producer in the best picture category.

Barbie’s Triumph:

Being the highest-grossing film of 2023 with $1.44 billion worldwide, many anticipated Gerwig and Robbie to dominate the best director and best actress categories. While Robbie missed out on the best actress nod, her co-star America Ferrera snagged a surprise nomination for supporting actress. Ryan Gosling, another “Barbie” star, received a nod for best supporting actor, and the film’s soundtrack, including the catchy “I’m Just Ken,” is up for best original song. Additional nominations include production design and costume design.

Leading the Oscar Race:

Christopher Nolan’s three-hour epic “Oppenheimer” emerged as the front-runner with an astounding 13 nominations. Not only did the film receive critical acclaim, but it also triumphed at the box office. Other notable contenders include “Poor Things” with 11 nods and Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon” with 10 nominations. Bradley Cooper’s biopic “Maestro” secured seven nominations.

Historic Moments:

For the first time in Oscar history, three best picture nominees were directed by women: “Past Lives” by Celine Song, “Barbie” by Greta Gerwig, and “Anatomy of a Fall” by Justine Triet. Lily Gladstone became the first Native American actress to be recognized, and Jodie Foster received her first nomination in nearly three decades for “Nyad.” Composer John Williams achieved his 54th nomination for “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”

Snubs and Surprises:

The Oscar nominations brought both shocks and surprises. America Ferrera’s nomination for her supporting role in “Barbie” raised eyebrows, while Leonardo DiCaprio’s absence from the best actor category for “Killers of the Flower Moon” and Willem DaFoe’s miss in best supporting actor for “Poor Things” left fans perplexed.

With the Oscar ceremony just around the corner, all eyes will be on Hollywood’s biggest night to witness the winners, the glamour, and perhaps a few more unexpected twists.