“West Side Story” star Rachel Zegler claims the Academy did not invite her to the 2022 Oscars despite the film receiving seven nominations.
A fan commented on Zegler’s Instagram Saturday expressing their excitement to see her gown at Sunday’s ceremony, to which the breakout actress replied, “i’m not invited so sweatpants and my boyfriend’s flannel.”
Zegler’s followers immediately responded with messages of surprise and disapproval, as her movie is up for awards including Best Picture.
“breaks my heart. You were the best part of that movie. Surely Steven Spielberg could do something about this,” one fan wrote, referencing the film’s legendary director, who is also nominated.
“step up to the mic? How’s the leading actress of a movie that’s up for 7 Academy Awards not invited? How does that make any sense???” another commented.
Zegler’s co-star Ariana DeBose is nominated for Best Supporting Actress.Getty Images for Critics ChoiceAfter dozens of comments came in, Zegler, 20, clarified that she did not understand the decision either but will still be cheering for the musical.
“idk y’all i have tried it all but it doesn’t seem to be happening :’),” she wrote in a second comment. “i will root for west side story from my couch and be proud of the work we so tirelessly did 3 years ago.”
The New Jersey native, who won a Golden Globe Award for her role as Maria Vasquez, also thanked her fans for their “shock and outrage” over the apparent snub.
Zegler said she’ll still “root” for the Steven Spielberg-directed film to win.©20th Century Studios/Courtesy“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,” she continued. “i’m disappointed, too. but that’s okay. so proud of our movie. ❤️.”
A day after the Instagram buzz, Zegler took to Twitter to once again thank her supporters, but she also asked that they “respect the process.”
“my goodness, folks!! appreciate all the support, i really really do,” she tweeted Sunday. “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.”
Zegler explained that she’s still “proud of the movie.”Getty Images for CNN. A WarnerMeZegler grew up starring in local musicals before making her big-screen debut in “West Side Story” opposite Ansel Elgort and Ariana DeBose, the latter of whom is nominated for Best Supporting Actress.
Zegler faced backlash earlier this year after she posted a video of herself doing a dramatic reading of Britney Spears’ critical tweets about estranged sister Jamie Lynn Spears. Zegler eventually apologized and thanked those who “held [her] accountable.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment.
