Apatow Criticizes Academy's Decision to Classify 'Barbie' as Adapted Screenplay

The decision sparks debate, with some arguing the film's impact comes from Barbie's cultural presence over the years.

Director Judd Apatow has criticized the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' decision to classify the film 'Barbie' as an adapted screenplay for the upcoming Oscars, arguing that there was no existing material or story to adapt from.
The Academy's decision is likely due to the film featuring pre-existing characters from the Mattel doll line, Barbie and Ken, a precedent set by previous films featuring pre-existing characters.
Despite Apatow's criticism, the decision has sparked debate, with some arguing that the film's impact comes from the cultural presence that Barbie has had for over 50 years.
The Writers Guild of America has classified 'Barbie' as an original work and it will be considered as such for the upcoming WGA Awards.
Official Academy Award nomination voting will commence on January 11.