Variety has exclusively learned that Greta Gerwig's blockbuster comedy, "Barbie," has been deemed an adapted screenplay by the Writers Branch executive committee of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This decision comes as a surprise, as the film had campaigned for original screenplay consideration during the upcoming awards season.

When official Oscar nomination voting opens on Thursday, January 11, eligible members of the Writers Branch will only be able to cast their votes for the screenplay written by Gerwig and Noah Baumbach in the adapted screenplay category. The film tells the story of Barbie, portrayed by Margot Robbie, who embarks on a romantic quest with Ken, played by Ryan Gosling, to the real world in search of answers about her identity crisis in Barbie World.

Previously, Variety had reported that "Barbie" would be campaigned for best original screenplay rather than in the adapted screenplay category, sparking an interesting debate on social media. The film was initially designated as an original work by the Writers Guild of America, and that classification will remain for the upcoming WGA Awards. However, the Academy has the authority to determine a film's eligibility and is not bound by the WGA's decision.

In the past, there have been instances where a film was campaigned as "original" by the WGA but was later shifted to the adapted category by the Academy committee. Examples include the critically acclaimed movie "Moonlight" in 2016, which was based on an unpublished play, and went on to win the adapted screenplay category along with Best Picture. Other films that have experienced similar category shifts include "Syriana," "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs," and "Loving."

Considering that Barbie and Ken are pre-existing characters who originated as Mattel dolls before transitioning to the big screen, it seems likely that the Academy's decision to classify "Barbie" as an adapted screenplay is based on the characters' established history.

Greta Gerwig, who made history as the first woman to direct a billion-dollar movie, has received three Oscar nominations throughout her career. Her previous nominations include "Little Women" (2019) for adapted screenplay and "Lady Bird" (2016) for both original screenplay and directing. If nominated this year, Gerwig will join the ranks of only seven women ever nominated for directing, with Jane Campion being the only woman recognized twice, winning for "The Power of the Dog" (2021).

Gerwig's husband and writing partner, Noah Baumbach, has also received three Oscar nods in his career, including two for original screenplay for "The Squid and the Whale" (2005) and "Marriage Story" (2018), along with a Best Picture nomination for the latter.

With "Barbie" now classified as an adapted screenplay, the competition in the original screenplay category opens up for other contenders. Films such as "Past Lives" and "The Holdovers" have emerged as potential frontrunners, while "May December" and "Anatomy of a Fall" have garnered notable attention.

"Barbie" tied the Golden Globes' record for the second-most nominated film in the organization's history, securing nine nods, including a nomination for Best Picture (comedy or musical). It is expected to perform well at the upcoming Golden Globes ceremony, with high chances of winning the award for Best Screenplay. The film has also been deemed an original work by the BAFTA, and is predicted to appear in the list of 10 finalists before the official nominations are announced later in January.

As the road to the Oscars continues, "Barbie" has found its place in the adapted screenplay category, potentially marking a significant moment for Gerwig and Baumbach as beloved filmmakers.