At the 96th Academy Awards, all eyes were on Ryan Gosling as he took the stage for a performance that left audiences stunned and delighted. The actor, nominated for his portrayal of Ken in the hit movie Barbie (2023), showcased his versatility and showmanship in a rendition of I’m Just Ken that was meticulously planned down to the smallest detail.
Molly McNearney, one of the producers of the Oscars alongside Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, and Rob Paine, spoke to Variety about Ryan Gosling’s dedication to perfecting every aspect of the performance. “Ryan Gosling is a true professional, that man — we met with him on Zooms months ago, talking about that performance,” said McNearney. He further revealed that Greta Gerwig contributed significantly to the creative process. She was deeply committed and actively participated in discussions alongside the choreographer, Mandy Moore, and Mark Ronson.
According to McNearney, it was Ryan Gosling’s creative vision to pay homage to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” in the performance.
Mandy Moore, Ryan Gosling’s choreographer, also offered insight into the creative process behind the performance. “That’s where the pink suit and everybody else in black came from — and the stairs in the back. And we had an homage to the candelabra girls: We had Ken-delabra men,” Moore elaborated. She further revealed that Ryan was deeply involved in the creation of I’m Just Ken. “He was pretty clear about the overall structure of it,” she added.
According to Moore, Ryan fully embraced Greta’s vision. She disclosed, “It was really important for him to jump down and include Margot [Robbie] and Greta and America [Ferrera].” She further added that Gosling insisted on positioning those ladies in front so he could approach them and sing together.
Despite the intricate planning, Gosling also incorporated spontaneous moments into the performance, such as inviting Barbie director Greta Gerwig and stars Margot Robbie and America Ferrera to join in the song. Additionally, he surprised viewers by serenading long-time friend and colleague Emma Stone as the song approached its climax.
Ryan’s performance featured a 40-piece orchestra, over 60 Ken dolls, a multitude of giant Barbie heads, and even an appearance by legendary guitarist Slash. The attention to detail was evident, with Gosling’s vision extending to every aspect of the production, from the choreography to the costumes.
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