The classification of Greta Gerwig's upcoming film 'Barbie,' starring Margot Robbie, as an adapted screenplay by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has sparked disagreement, notably from filmmaker Judd Apatow.
Expressing his dissent on Twitter, Apatow criticized the decision, highlighting that the screenplay wasn't based on existing material or a pre-existing story but was crafted from a clear box, implying its originality. He emphasized that categorizing it as adapted undermines the work of the writers involved.
The film 'Barbie' initially campaigned for an original screenplay nomination in the Oscar race. However, the decision to classify it as adapted screenplay might stem from the pre-existing dolls, Barbie and Ken, from Mattel, which the Writers Branch executive committee of AMPAS likely considered as the basis for the adaptation.
Award categories and criteria vary across different organizations and voting groups. Movies that involve pre-existing characters or elements have been categorized as adapted screenplays in the past, as seen with previous nominees like 'Toy Story 3,' 'Borat 2,' 'Before Sunset,' and 'Before Midnight.'
While the AMPAS has positioned 'Barbie' in the adapted screenplay category, the Writers Guild of America has designated it as an original work, securing its placement in that category for the upcoming WGA Awards.
Greta Gerwig, known for her directorial achievements in 'Lady Bird' and 'Little Women,' faces a unique situation with 'Barbie,' co-writing the script with Noah Baumbach. Despite its original conception, eligible voting members will only be able to cast their Oscar nomination votes for 'Barbie' in the adapted screenplay category.
The final Oscar nominations will be determined through the official voting process on January 11th.
(With Agency Inputs)
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