Over the past few years, Greta Gerwig has become one of the most powerful directors and writers in Hollywood. And that is demonstrated by the Oscars 2024 nominations, in which her film ‘Barbie’ got several nods, including Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay, which she co-wrote with Noah Baumbach. However, she wasn’t nominated for Best Director.
It’s not the first time that Gerwig has been in this position in the Academy Awards. At the 92nd Oscars, Gerwig’s “Little Women” competed for Best Picture, but she wasn’t nominated for Best Director. She was, however, nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, the same situation for this year’s awards.
The only time that Gerwig has been competing for Best Director was for her solo directorial debut “Lady Bird” (2017), for which she also competed for Best Original Screenplay. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, which is awarded to the producers. On the other hand, it’s fairly impressive that her three directorial solo efforts have landed a Best Picture nomination, as well as for the scripts (which she always writes). In total, Gerwig is a four-time Oscar nominee.
Barbie competes for eight Oscars
While Gerwig hasn’t won an Oscar yet, she will have her shot in the category for Best Adapted Screenplay alongside her husband Baumbach. Barbie is against powerful rivals such as American Fiction, Oppenheimer, Poor Things and The Zone of Interest.
On the other hand, Barbie will also compete for Best Costume Design (Jaqueline Durran) and Best Production Design (Sarah Greenwood and Katie Spencer). As well as for Best Original Song with two nominations for “What Was I Made For?” (written by Billie Eilish and Finneas), and “I’m Just Ken” (composed by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt).
The movie also got two nominations in the acting categories, with America Ferrera landing her first nod for Best Supporting Actress thanks to her role as Gloria; and Ryan Gosling becoming a third-time nominee for his role as Ken (Best Supporting Actor). Margot Robbie, while not nominated for Best Actress, will be competing for Best Picture as a producer for Barbie.
Gerwig, in total, has directed six Oscar-nominee performances, including Saoirse Ronan and Laurie Metcalf for “Lady Bird,” as well as Ronan and Florence Pugh for “Little Women” in 2019. It’s not surprising, as Gerwig is also an accomplished actress and she has said that her favorite part of directing is, precisely, the work with actors.
Women make history at the Oscars 2024
While Gerwig missed the directing nod, Justine Triet will be competing for the prize of Best Director thanks to “Anatomy of a Fall,” which will also be competing in other four categories (including Best Picture). Triet is also competing for Original Screenplay.
Meanwhile, Celine Song is also nominated for Original Screenplay for “Past Lives,” her directorial debut. The film is also nominated for Best Picture. This is the first time that three movies directed by women will be competing for the crowning category.
The 96th Oscars will take place on March 10.