Judd Apatow believes it’s a mistake that “Barbie” might not be considered for the Best Original Screenplay category at this year’s Oscars.
As the 96th Academy Awards approach, potential nominations are taking shape behind the scenes, and in terms of the screenplay, Margot Robbie and her team are concerned about the category it might fall into.
It’s insulting to the writers to say they were working off of existing material. There was no existing material or story. There was a clear box. https://t.co/8phHXmag7Q
— Judd Apatow 🇺🇸 (@JuddApatow) January 6, 2024
@JuddApatow
Last week, Variety reported that “Barbie” was going to be relegated to the Best Adapted Screenplay category instead of Best Original Screenplay, as the characters already “existed”.
For many film snobs, this was a bad call, considering that “Barbie” ’s storyline is, in fact, quite original, in the sense that it’s not a reworking of another existing “Barbie” story, and Judd is among those outraged on behalf of the writers who conceived it.
He wrote: “It’s insulting to the writers to say they were working off of existing material. There was no existing material or story.” Frankly, many agree.
The reason people are upset that “Barbie” is being considered for Adapted instead of Original – despite campaigning for the latter – is because there is stiffer competition in Adapted; including “Oppenheimer,” “Killers of the Flower Moon,” etc. Tremendous competition basically.
Considering how packed the category is, cinephiles believe “Barbie” will have a better chance of winning, and given its significant cultural impact this year, many want to see it shine in every possible way.
The truth is that “Barbie” meets all the requirements, and lines like “I don’t control the railroads or the flow of commerce” definitely deserve some recognition.
We’ll see what the Academy members choose when they cast their votes.
## FAQ
### What is Judd Apatow’s opinion on “Barbie” and the Oscars?
Judd Apatow believes that “Barbie” deserves to be considered for the Best Original Screenplay category at the Oscars and finds it insulting to suggest that the writers were working off existing material.
### Why was “Barbie” considered for the Best Adapted Screenplay category?
“Barbie” was reportedly considered for the Best Adapted Screenplay category as the characters were deemed to already “exist”. However, this decision has sparked controversy as many believe that the storyline of “Barbie” is original.
### What impact has “Barbie” had this year?
“Barbie” has had a significant cultural impact this year, and many cinephiles believe it deserves recognition and a chance to shine at the Oscars.
## Conclusion
The debate surrounding “Barbie” and its category placement for the Oscars continues to gain attention. With voices like Judd Apatow advocating for its consideration for Best Original Screenplay, the film’s impact and originality are being widely discussed. As the anticipation builds, the industry and fans eagerly await the Academy’s decision.