Did You Know Greta Gerwig Was Once Rejected From Every Graduate School She Applied To?

A multifaceted talent, director Greta Gerwig has made a significant impact, truly challenging conventions and bringing fresh perspectives to Hollywood. Gerwig, who has time and again shown her relentless pursuit of gender equality, has always been vocal about the need for more female voices in the industry, and the same is also reflected in her film.

Beginning with her directorial debut film Lady Bird and her recent collaboration with the Barbie brand, the acclaimed filmmaker has made an indelible mark on the film industry. Throughout her career, the 40-year-old director has also bagged nominations at the Academy Awards, further solidifying her reputation as an exemplary and talented filmmaker.

While Gerwig’s talent is now known to the world, there was also a time when the director faced rejection from graduate schools. She applied to several prestigious graduate schools, including Yale, Juilliard, and NYU; however, she was turned down.

“I got rejected from every graduate school I applied to. I applied as a playwright to Yale, Juilliard, and NYU and got a universal ‘No thanks’,” she said during her appearance on the “Employee of the Month” podcast in 2016. However, the rejection didn’t stop her from following her dreams, and she entered the world of independent film. The following year, Gerwig co-wrote Joe Swanberg’s Hanna Takes the Stairs, in which she also co-starred.

Later, in a CNBC interview, the filmmaker recalled the rejection she faced from the grad schools and said, “I don’t know. I think they made a mistake.” Though, despite having faced rejection from top graduate schools, Greta is now one of the top Hollywood directors, with three Oscar-nominated films for Best Picture. She was earlier nominated for Lady Bird (2017) and Little Women (2019). While Lady Bird got her two nominations in Best Director and Best Picture, Little Women was nominated in the Best Picture category.

Greta Gerwig-directed Barbie turned out to be one of the biggest hits of 2023, becoming the highest-grossing film ever directed by a woman. Featuring Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, the film explores Barbie’s journey as she takes a big step in her life.

The film bagged some awards, followed by eight Academy Award nominations. At the Oscars 2024, Barbie won the Best Original Song award for Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For.