For someone who was so visibly shocked to be the recipient of the Best Song gong at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Ryan Gosling sure got into character to give a stellar performance of “I’m Just Ken” at the 2024 Oscars. Heck, he even had Guns and Roses guitarist Slash join him on stage!
The Kenergetic performance saw the Oscar-nominated Gosling also joined by Mark Ronson and 65 Kens. He began by serenading Barbie co-star Margot Robbie before taking to the stage and then returning to the crowd once more to have Robbie, Barbie director Greta Gerwig and America Ferrera sing along with him. He even stopped by to pass the mic to his La La Land co-star Emma Stone at one point.
You can watch the performance below.
The reaction inside the Dolby Theatre was one of jubilance. Gosling really did do an incredible job. Ultimately the Best Song gong went to Billie Eilish and brother Finneas for their Barbie song “What Was I Made For.”
Slash joins Ryan Gosling during his performance of "I'm Just Ken" at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/fPAFwiCQuI
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024
If you’re experiencing a vague sense of deja vu about the performance, you’re absolutely correct. A nod to his own opining of blonde fragility, Gosling channeled perhaps the most famous blonde in history, Marilyn Monroe, and her iconic performance of ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’ in the Hollywood classic Gentleman Prefer Blondes.
He may not have won the Oscar tonight be he definitely won the Oscars.
While Barbie was recognised for eight nominations, including Best Picture, the Academy’s decision to leave Robbie and Gerwig out of the Best Actress and Best Director category was one met with furore. Gosling, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actor, released a statement on the obvious snubs.
“There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally celebrated film,” he began.
“No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius,” he added. “To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.
“Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture and they made history. Their work should be recognised along with the other very deserving nominees.”
What a perfect Ken.
Ryan Gosling performs "I'm Just Ken" at the 2024 #Oscars pic.twitter.com/sjEtymPMIa
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 11, 2024
