Robert Downey Jr. believes Margot Robbie deserved Oscar nomination for Barbie
Robert Downey Jr. believes Margot Robbie deserved Oscar nomination for Barbie. The Oppenheimer actor shared his reflections on Robbie’s performance.
By Staff
“The simplicity of it always amazes me, emphasizing the minimal effort required for success.”
In a recent statement that has surprised many, renowned Marvel actor Robert Downey Jr. has expressed his opinion on the lack of recognition for Margot Robbie for her outstanding performance in Barbie.
While praising the effectiveness of the subtle acting, Downey lashes out at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, claiming that Robbie is not getting the credit she deserves.
What does Robert Downey Jr. think about Margot Robbie’s performance in Barbie?
The controversy arose during a conversation with fellow SAG Award nominees (via New York Post), Sterling K. Brown and Willem Dafoe, where Downey shared his reflections on Robbie’s performance.
It never fails to impress me and remind me how little you need to do to be effective,” said the actor who gave life to Iron Man, highlighting the simplicity of effective expression on camera.
In my opinion, the due credit is not being given to Margot Robbie,” Downey added.
The Avengers: Endgame actor praised the performance of America Ferrera, Robbie’s Barbie co-star, who received an Oscar nomination.
Downey Jr. highlighted the impact of a crucial scene where Robbie, through his active listening, contributes significantly to the film’s success.
“Robbie had to depend on… and it’s challenging when someone has the lengthy two-page passage, and they’re like, ‘Okay, now let’s jump in and get Bob,'” Downey said.
The controversy surrounding Barbie intensified when the film received no nominations for Best Actress and Best Director at the 2024 Oscars. Greta Gerwig, the film’s director, only earned one nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.
Although neither Robbie nor Gerwig have issued public statements about the omission, other cast members, such as America Ferrera and Ryan Gosling, have expressed their displeasure.
It is relevant to note that Robert Downey Jr. not only defended Robbie’s performance but he has his own Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer.
Ryan Gosling, who played Ken in Barbie, was also nominated in the same category. This situation adds an intriguing twist to the competition, as two Barbie actors will compete directly at the 2024 Oscars.
Downey’s surprising statement has fueled debate about the Academy’s selection process and the importance of recognizing individual contributions to film.
Meanwhile, the controversy has generated anticipation around the upcoming awards ceremony and has put the spotlight on Margot Robbie’s performance in Barbie, which, despite being one of the highest-grossing films of 2023, appears not to receive the expected recognition in awards season.
The actor, known for his candor and sense of humor, concluded the discussion with a sharp observation about the film industry.
Sometimes you just need the simplest version of expression, that’s what the camera wants,” Downey concluded, leaving the audience with a reminder about the very essence of effective acting on the big screen.
As for Margot Robbie, she has maintained a positive outlook. During a discussion with SAG-AFTRA colleagues (via Variety), the Australian actress and producer shared her peace of mind, stating that she doesn’t feel sad when she recognizes what a blessing her participation in Barbie has been.
She emphasized that the film’s true mission was to “affect culture,” and the biggest reward for her has been the impact the film has had in that regard. But she did express her hope that director Greta Gerwig would receive the well-deserved nomination.
