Rachel Zegler, star of Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story remake, has revealed that she has not received an invitation to the Academy Awards, despite the film being nominated in seven categories.
In response to a comment on her Instagram asking what she will be wearing to the awards ceremony, Zegler wrote: ‘I’m not invited so sweatpants and my boyfriend’s flannel.’
When shocked fans flooded the comment section with questions over why West Side Story’s leading lady will not be attending the Oscars, Zegler said: ‘Idk y’all, I have tried it all, but it doesn’t seem to be happening.’
The actress said, however, that she will root for West Side Story from her couch and will be proud of the work they ‘so tirelessly did three years ago.’
‘I hope some last minute miracle occurs and I can celebrate our film in person, but hey, that’s how it goes sometimes, I guess. Thanks for all the shock and outrage – I’m disappointed too. But that’s okay. So proud of our movie,’ the actress added.
Fans express outrage over Zegler’s Oscars snub
Fans took to Twitter to share their shock and thoughts on the decision not to invite Zegler to the Oscars.
One Twitter user wrote: ‘rachel zegler being the *lead* in a film that has seven oscar nominations yet not being invited to the ceremony… make it make sense.’
Another said: ‘Y’all, Richard Gere who was the lead actor of Chicago was at the Oscars in 2002. He wasn’t nominated. In 2013, the entire CAST of Les Misérables was invited to perform at the #Oscars. Please, please, don’t make excuses for why Rachel Zegler wasn’t invited. This ain’t cute.’
Someone else tweeted: ‘This is truly wild. How did this happen and did they think no one would notice/care that the leading lady in a film with 7 nominations (including Best Picture!!) was absent? Who else is missing an invite?’
Zegler responds to fans’ support
Following the influx of support, Zegler shared a tweet thanking everyone for their comments. She wrote:
‘My goodness, folks!! appreciate all the support, i really really do. we live in such unprecedented times, and a lot of work behind the scenes goes into making movie magic happen. that goes for film productions (like the one I am so lucky to be currently shooting in london) and awards shows alike. let’s all just respect the process and i’ll get off my phone x R.’
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