When talking about why he made a documentary feature on J. Robert Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan defined the theoretical physicist as the most important person who ever lived. Accordingly, during the making of his film, which included Nolan going to extreme lengths to recreate an atomic explosion without using CGI, there’s a good chance he wouldn’t have imagined that heading into its release, Oppenheimer would compete with Barbie, the comedy movie based on every kid’s favorite doll.
What’s even more interesting than the unexpected rivalry – which is termed as Barbenheimer – is the fact that Margot Robbie’s movie has managed to beat Oppenheimer in almost every race they’ve faced each other. And recently announced Golden Globes nominations are no different.
Read more: Cillian Murphy, Margot Robbie Confirm 1 Thing Everyone Deep Down Knew about Barbenheimer
Margot Robbie’s Barbie Outshines Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer once again
The Cillian Murphy-led movie which focused on J. Robert Oppenheimer’s top-secret Manhattan Project and the subsequent controversial security hearing earned rave reviews and absolutely smashed at the box office, grossing $953.7 million globally.
However, the powerful ensemble cast of Murphy, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Emily Blunt among others were surprisingly outshined by Margot Robbie starrer Barbie which managed a staggering $1.442 billion in worldwide collection.
Having already lost the financial battle by a huge margin, Oppenheimer has now been left behind by Barbie in accumulating the most number of Golden Globes nominations. Christopher Nolan’s film has earned eight nominations, while Greta Gerwig’s Barbie Land adventure has swooped in nine nominations.
Both filmmakers are nominated for Best Director – Motion Picture and will be competing with the likes of Martin Scorsese (Killers of the Flower Moon) and Bradley Cooper (Maestro) for the honor.
As expected, both Murphy and Robbie have also found their name among Best Actor nominations in their respective categories (Drama/Musical and Comedy).
Margot Robbie’s Barbie Equals Nearly 50-Year-Old Golden Globe Record
The highest-grossing film of 2023 is not just leading the pack at the 81st annual Golden Globes, it has also become the second-most nominated film ever at the Globes, level on nominations with Cabaret (1972). Only Nashville (1975) has earned more nominations (11) in the history of Golden Globes.
However, getting nominated is one thing, and taking home the awards is another whole ordeal. In that regard, Barbie will have to compete with not just Oppenheimer – which sits second with eight – but also Killers of the Flower Moon and Poor Things – who are not too far behind with seven nominations each.
As far as straight-out head-to-head battle is concerned, Barbie and Oppenheimer face each other in four categories, including Cinematic and Box Office Achievement in Motion Picture. It’ll certainly be interesting to see who comes on top on the night of 7th January 2024.
