Rachel Ziegler says she was not invited to the Oscars on Sunday despite playing the lead role of Maria in the multi-nominated “West Side Story.”
Director Steven Spielberg’s film musical revival has received seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is customary to have stars of such major contenders be guests, even if they are not nominated.
The apparent snub came to the fore over the weekend, when a fan on Instagram said they “can’t wait to see” what Ziegler will wear to the ceremony.
“I haven’t been invited, so sweatpants and my boyfriend’s flannel,” she replied.
Karawai Tang via Getty Images
Fans expressed outrage, and Ziegler responded several times.
“I’ve tried it all but can’t seem to find it,” she wrote. “I will root for ‘West Side Story’ from my couch and be proud of the work we did so tirelessly 3 years ago. I hope some miracle happens at the last minute and I personally refuse my film.” But hey, sometimes that happens, I guess. Thanks for all the shock and outrage – I’m disappointed too. But that’s okay. So proud of our film.”
On Sunday, Ziegler, known as “Shazam!” will be shown in Disney’s live-action remake of “Snow White” as the title princess and tried to quell the Oscars uproar, from fans “respect the process,
While some anger has been directed at the Academy for the alleged dissent, Deadline reported that ticket distribution “rests on the shoulders of the studio”, which will be Disney.
HuffPost did not immediately hear back from Disney.
