During the recent Oscars ceremony, Ryan Gosling surprised everyone with a performance of “I’m Just Ken” from the Warner Bros. film Barbie. The audience at the Dolby Theater was captivated as Gosling took the stage, encouraging everyone to sing along with the song lyrics displayed on big screens.
As Gosling made his way through the crowd, he gave the spotlight to director Greta Gerwig, America Ferrera, Margot Robbie, and even his La La Land co-star Emma Stone, allowing them to join in on the performance. The energy in the room was electrifying as everyone came together to celebrate the music.
Interestingly enough, the song “I’m Just Ken” was almost left out of the film’s final cut. Mark Ronson, one of the co-writers, revealed that the studio initially had reservations about the song’s impact. However, thanks to Gerwig’s persistence and dedication, the song made it to the big screen, much to everyone’s delight.
Oscar Nomination and Inspiration
“I’m Just Ken” has been nominated for Best Original Song alongside another film track, “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell. Additionally, Gosling himself has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film as Beach Ken. Ronson explained that the song was inspired by the 1970s, channeling the essence of a piano ballad with a twist of prog rock and hints of the 1980s.
Ryan Gosling’s unexpected performance at the Oscars was a memorable moment that showcased his versatility and talent as a performer. The journey of “I’m Just Ken” from almost being cut to receiving critical acclaim is a testament to the creative process behind film music. As the awards season continues, it will be interesting to see if Gosling and the songwriters take home the coveted Oscar statue.