Barbie Continues An Unfortunate $1 Billion Trend That Dates Back 20 Years

Despite becoming a worldwide sensation, Barbie continues a sad $1 Billion trend that started 20 years ago. Even before its July 21, 2023 release, Barbie was wildly popular due to the creative marketing and the Barbenheimer phenomenon – the release of Barbie and Oppenheimer, two diametrically opposed films, at the same time. After opening for audiences, the movie broke over 20 different records before making its streaming debut. The most impressive records Barbie broke include the most successful domestic and global release in Warner Bros history, the highest-grossing film of 2023, and the largest global opening for a female-directed movie.

Given the incredible box office success of Barbie, it’s unsurprising that the movie gained numerous award nominations. Barbie, its actors, and multiple people behind the scenes have been nominated for awards at the major awards shows. The movie has an impressive 414 nominations at awards shows and film shows – big and small. After Margo Robbie’s Best Actress snub, the hope was that the film would gain more attention by winning one of the 8 Oscars for which Barbie was nominated. Sadly, Barbie continues a trend for $1 billion movies that’s causing online outrage.

Barbie’s Loss Means A $1 Billion Box Office Movie Hasn’t Won Best Picture Since 2004

At the 2024 Academy Awards, Barbie failed to secure the Best Picture Oscar despite being one of the most regaled movies of the season. The loss is even more surprising when considering that the movie brought in $1.45 billion at the box office, according to Box Office Mojo. However, this continues the trend of movies grossing over $1 billion losing Best Picture. The last movie that grossed over $1 billion and won Best Picture was Lord of the Rings: Return of the King in 2004. Since then, six movies have been nominated but didn’t acquire the Best Picture Oscar.

Sources: Box Office Mojo