After weeks of speculation following the controversial criticism of the Barbie Oscars, Ryan Gosling will take to the stage to perform the film’s nominated hit at the awards ceremony next month, DailyMail.com can reveal.
Inside sources confirm that the Canadian-born actor, 43, who is himself nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ken in the summer blockbuster, will sing ‘I’m Just Ken’ at the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles in March . 10.
The idea for the live performance has been the subject of speculation since Gosling and the hit song were announced last month among this year’s Oscar nominations – while the film’s female lead Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were snubbed.
Ryan Gosling will perform I’m Just Ken live at the Oscars next month, DailyMail.com has announced
The idea for the live performance has been the subject of speculation since Gosling and the hit song was among the eight Oscar nominations Barbie received last month.
And while it is customary for a Best Original Song nominee to be performed at the awards ceremony, the prospect of Gosling’s special performance was overshadowed by the controversy.
Barbie received a total of eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for America Ferrera and Best Original Song for Ken’s existential song, I’m Just Ken.
The Academy’s controversial decision sparked a wider debate about sexism in the industry among actors and fans alike on social media, and even prompted Gosling to make an extraordinary statement in support of his female colleagues.
In an interview with Variety earlier this month, Gosling said he had not yet been approached about a possible gig at the Uupcoming ceremony — but said he was “open” to the possibility.
“I still haven’t been asked,” he said. ‘It would be too much of a risk if I did it. I don’t know how that would work. But I’m open to it.’
Music producer Mark Ronson, who wrote the popular song, admitted it would be his “dream” to see Gosling perform the song live at the ceremony, but said the actor had not confirmed whether this happened, during an interview on the Red runner with the magazine at the Grammys.
Gosling is nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ken in the summer blockbuster, while female lead Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were snubbed
Gosling revealed that he ultimately dyed his hair for the role after being given a wig that he felt did not fully reflect his character.
Gosling issued a statement expressing his disappointment after his female colleagues, director Greta Gerwig (pictured) and film director Margot Robbie, were rejected
Gosling weighed on Barbie’s shock Oscars amid the backlash in January, in a statement expressing anger that his female colleagues had been overlooked, but stopped short of giving up his own Oscar nomination in protest.
“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 wrote.
“No one in film would be recognized without their talent, perseverance and genius. To say I’m disappointed they weren’t nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.
“Their work should be recognized, along with the other very deserving nominees.”
The statement itself received further criticism after fans said that taking action against the prestigious institution would be a true show of solidarity.
Speaking to Variety, Gosling admitted that he had “heavily” revised the statement.
“Look, I heavily edited that statement,” Ryan told the outlet. “I think if I say any more about it, I’m actually going to put on a mink and challenge people to a beach vacation on Malibu Beach.
“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 declared.
He said the film continues to stimulate dialogue from audiences: “In terms of people’s reactions, the film continues to provoke conversation in every incarnation,” he said. ‘It always provokes this dialogue. It is the power of this film. It’s hard for me to compare it to anything else.’
‘But there is another reason that proves that it is more than a summer blockbuster. It is a great work of art. That’s what Greta and Margot created,” he added.
Gosling called Ken the most challenging role he had yet to play and surprisingly compared it to his role in the 2010 drama Blue Valentine, which chronicled the relationship of an ill-fated couple.
“It’s the hardest role I’ve ever had to play,” Ryan said. “It was like a tightrope walker, in little shorts and no shirt, no net.
“I wanted to make sure I did it. I thought, ‘I can’t screw this up.’ I can’t be the guy who ruined the Barbie movie. So if I’m going to do it, I have to do more than I know I can even do.”