Plastic fantastic

"Why didn't Barbie tell me about patriarchyA system of society where men hold power and women are excluded. ?" Ken asks a passer-by. Later, he shares his knowledge proudly with his fellow Kens: "Everything, basically everything, exists to expand and elevateRaise. the presence of men."

The hit movie Barbie, which drew record numbers to cinemas last summer, tells the story of a fictional Barbie world run by women. But when Ken travels to the Real World and brings patriarchy back with him, their society is thrown into conflict.

It was the year's highest earning film. But for many, it was a much greater cultural moment. Many connected with its message of everyday sexism. It was expected to win big in this year's award season.

But instead, fans were left outraged. Whilst director Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, who played Barbie, were both snubbed, the Academy did nominate Ryan Gosling's Ken - the film's male lead.

It is one of the biggest snubsIgnoring or treating rudely. in recent history. Social media users rushed to accuse the awards of sexism. In nearly 100 years of the Oscars, only three women have won the award for Best Director. This year, only one woman is nominated.

As many have pointed out, the Academy does not traditionally favour box officeThe place at a cinema or theatre where you can buy tickets. It is also used to talk about how successful a film is. smashes. Instead, films regarded as particularly socially or artistically important.

Barbie was clearly a huge success. But was it an artistic triumph? For industry bigwigsImportant people. , the answer may be no. But as a cultural moment, it clearly spoke deeply to some women's experiences.

Many have been quick to point out that Barbie still secured an impressive eight nominations - hardly what you would call "snubbed". But others note that Oppenheimer, with its almost all-male cast, is in the running for 13 awards. Are women's stories simply seen as less valuable?

Is the patriarchy fighting back?

Yes: Barbie was an unmatched cultural phenomenon this year. The Academy failing to acknowledge this shows that sexist attitudes still exist.

No: Barbie clearly had widespread appeal, but it was ultimately not a huge artistic achievement. Just because something is successful with fans, it does not mean it deserves prizes for being a great film.

Or... The decision may not be sexist, but it is clearly tone deafNot understanding or lacking insight into how people feel about something. . The Academy should be rewarding Barbie for bringing audiences back to cinemas after the pandemic.