'Barbie' Ruled as Adapted Screenplay by Oscars Committee

Despite filmmakers' campaign for original classification, the Academy bases decision on pre-existing character basis; film expected to earn several Oscar nominations.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has ruled that the 'Barbie' movie is an adapted screenplay, not original, despite filmmakers Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach campaigning for it to be classified as an original screenplay.
The decision is based on the fact that movies are classified as adapted if they're based on pre-existing characters, such as Barbie dolls.
The film, which has been popular since its release in July 2023, earning more than $1.4 billion worldwide, is expected to be nominated for Oscars in several categories, including Best Screenplay.
Despite the classification for the Oscars, 'Barbie' was designated an original work by the Writers Guild of America and will compete in that category for the upcoming WGA Awards.
Official Academy Award nominations for all categories will be announced on January 23.