The 96th edition of the Academy Award nominations has stirred cinematic debates, with the prevailing question being whether the upcoming season will be dominated by “Barbie” or “Oppenheimer.”

The 96th edition of the Academy Award nominations has ignited cinematic debates, pitting the potential dominance of “Barbie” against “Oppenheimer.”

These contrasting narratives underscore a fierce competition, showcasing the diversity and compelling offerings in this year’s film industry. The Barbie movie stirred widespread social media discussion with its eight Oscar nods, including Best Picture and a Best Producer nomination for Margot Robbie.

However, the absence of director Greta Gerwig, the first woman with three films nominated for the top prize, in the Best Director category sparked controversy, particularly considering the film’s feminist themes. Ryan Gosling’s supporting actor nomination further fueled criticism for perceived misalignment with the film’s feminist messaging, prompting considerable debate and disappointment among fans and social media users despite its success.

In another significant milestone, 81-year-old Martin Scorsese secured his 10th Oscar nomination for Best Director with “Killers of the Flower Moon,” surpassing Steven Spielberg’s nine nominations. While Scorsese won the category once for “The Departed” in 2006, Spielberg maintains a lead with two wins, solidifying Scorsese’s position as the living director with the most Best Director Oscar nominations, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.