Ryan Gosling's Performance of ‘I’m Just Ken’ Is the Best Thing to Happen to the Oscars
Emily Tannenbaum
·5 min read
Rich Polk/Getty Images
Ryan Gosling may not have taken home the Academy Award for best original song at the 2024 Oscars, but his performance of “I’m Just Ken” sure won my heart.
From the moment Gosling stepped out in that glittering pink suit, I knew the memes were imminent—but I didn’t know just how obsessed the internet would become. With the help of plenty of the Barbie-movie Kens, producer Mark Ronson, and hard-rock guitarist Slash, the 43-year-old actor produced a Hollywood performance like we haven’t seen since Marilyn Monroe donned her pink dress and gloves for “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)—and yes, I know that’s what Gosling & Co. were going for.
Don’t take my word for it—check out the reactions from the audience, as well as on X.com (or as those on X.com would call it, Twitter). “Ryan Gosling fully belting out ‘I’m Just Ken’ is the one of the most incredible Oscar musical performances I’ve ever seen,” Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh wrote in a tweet that’s already received over a thousand likes. “People were screaming, cheering and gasping inside the Dolby.”
“I hope the kenergy never leaves Ryan Gosling,” wrote Nora Dominick, who pointed out that Margot Robbie could not stop laughing during the song’s opening. Another user noticed that Robbie and Barbie director Greta Gerwig literally “JUMPED” from their seats.
Of course, one highlight was the La La Land reunion between Gosling and former costar Emma Stone (or Crazy Stupid Love reunion, depending on who you ask). Honestly, it seemed as though she’d waited her whole life to sing, “and so am I” into Gosling’s mic.
While this was a great sales pitch for La La Land 2, I personally agree with X.com user who tweeted, “ok can’t believe I’m saying this, but Ryan Gosling for Super Bowl Halftime Show?”
I don’t know why there was a question mark there. Let’s make it happen.
All the Best Looks From the 2024 Oscars Red Carpet
Greta Lee
In Loewe.
John Shearer
Sandra Hüller
In custom Schiaparelli.
Sarah Morris
Florence Pugh
In Del Core.
John Shearer
Jodie Foster
In Loewe.
John Shearer
Ariana Grande
In Giambattista Valli Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Danielle Brooks
In custom Dolce & Gabbana.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Margot Robbie
In Versace.
John Shearer
Emma Stone
In custom Louis Vuitton.
Jeff Kravitz
Molly Sims
In Georges Chakra spring-summer 2024 couture, Mach & Mach shoes, and Rahaminov jewelry.
JC Olivera/Getty Images
Issa Rae
In AMI Paris and Gianvito Rossi shoes.
John Shearer
Gabrielle Union
In Carolina Herrera, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
John Shearer
America Ferrera
The best supporting actress nominee did perfect Barbiecore in custom Atelier Versace, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and Pomellato jewelry.
Marleen Moise/Getty Images
Grace Gummer
In Gucci.
John Shearer
Billie Eilish
In Chanel.
JC Olivera/Getty Images
Fran Drescher
In a nude illusion dress.
Sarah Morris
Olivia Munn
In Fendi.
Sarah Morris
Cynthia Erivo
In Louis Vuitton.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Becky G
In Vera Wang.
John Shearer
Eva Longoria
In Tamara Ralph.
Marleen Moise/Getty Images
Kelly Ripa
In a sheer black gown.
John Shearer
Emily Blunt
In Schiaparelli Couture.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Zendaya
In Armani Privé and Bulgari jewelry.
Christina House/Getty Images
Jennifer Lawrence
In custom Christian Dior haute couture and Swarovski Created Diamonds jewelry.
Lexie Moreland/Getty Images
Carey Mulligan
In custom Balenciaga couture.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Da'Vine Joy Randolph
In custom Louis Vuitton.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Greta Gerwig
In a gold tank dress.
WWD/Getty Images
Kate McKinnon
In a black suit.
John Shearer
Jon Batiste
In a maroon tux.
Christina House/Getty Images
Regina King
Custom Atelier Versace and Pomellato jewelry.
Christina House/Getty Images
Annette Bening
In a blue jumpsuit and floor-grazing robe.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons
Dunst in Gucci and Fred Leighton jewelry.
Christina House/Getty Images
Camila Alves
In custom Atelier Versace.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Melissa McCarthy
In a two-toned pink and red gown.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Charlize Theron
In Dior.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Catherine O’Hara
In a slick formfitting black gown.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Lily Gladstone
The best-actress nominee [paid tribute](https://www.vogue.com/article/lily-gladstone-oscars-dress-gucci-joe-big-mountain){: target="_blank"} to Indigenous design in a custom dress designed by Gucci in partnership with Joe Big Mountain of Ironhouse Quillwork, pairing it with Bulgari jewelry.
John Shearer
Lupita Nyong’o
The Oscar winner wore custom Armani Privé in blue with a sophisticated feathered detail.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Michelle Yeoh
The 2023 best-actress winner wore a silver gown by Balenciaga haute couture with black gloves.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Anya Taylor Joy
In Christian Dior haute couture.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images
Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons
The Hollywood power couple looked chic in black and white, with Dunst wearing Gucci.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Hailee Steinfeld
Steinfeld's aqua Elie Saab gown is giving mermaid in the best way.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Colman Domingo
The best-actor nominee and always snazzy dresser wore Louis Vuitton with an Omega watch.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade
Union wore a sparkly silver Carolina Herrera dress, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and jewelry by Tiffany & Co. Wade wore custom Atelier Versace.
Christina House/Getty Images
Issa Rae
Rae wore a sleek black gown by AMI Paris.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Laverne Cox
Cox, a red carpet host for E\!, wore a Mugler black dress with gold bodice, with Al Zain necklace, Le Vian, Anabela Chan, and Zydo rings, and Marco Morante neck sash.
Céline Dion and Lady Gaga are performing a duet at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Here's how much they are reportedly being paid for one song.
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