At many award ceremonies, it’s common to see winners feign surprise, despite having prepared acceptance speeches and visualizing their walk to the stage. However, Ryan Gosling had the best reaction.
The event, which took place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, saw Gosling’s track “I’m Just Ken” from the movie Barbie clinch the Best Song award. The song triumphed over strong contenders, including Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For”, Dua Lipa’s Barbie number “Dance the Night,” and several other notable tracks.
The moment “I’m Just Ken” was announced as the winner, the broadcast showed Gosling in the audience; his expression was one of sheer disbelief, almost as if he suspected a practical joke. Despite his song winning, Gosling did not go up to accept the award. Instead, he stayed at his table, applauding as songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt went on stage.
During the acceptance speech, Ronson highlighted Gosling’s significant role in bringing the song to life. He directly addressed Gosling, seated among the audience, saying, “Ryan Gosling, this is as much your award as ours. Your unparalleled performance made the audience fall in love with this song. Thank you.”
ryan gosling’s reaction to ”i’m just ken” winning the best song at the #CriticsChoiceAwards is EVERYTHING pic.twitter.com/by3oyeP4Mi
— ryan gosling thinker (@gosling_thinker) January 15, 2024
Post-award, Ronson and Wyatt shared thoughts with the press. Ronson expressed enthusiasm for a potential Barbie musical on Broadway, humorously remarking that he had already penned 12 songs and was just awaiting an invitation. When queried about his eagerness to see Gosling perform “I’m Just Ken” at the Oscars, Ronson responded with earnest enthusiasm, stating his deep desire for it to happen.
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Gosling’s reaction to the award, marked by authenticity and humility, was warmly received by fans online. Social media buzzed with affectionate comments, with many fans charmed by his astonished and endearing demeanor upon winning. This genuine display of surprise stood out in an event often characterized by prepared speeches and expected reactions, making Gosling’s response a memorable highlight of the Critics Choice Awards.