“So many people trying to shame him”: Eva Mendes Has the Last Laugh as Ryan Gosling Gets Oscar Nomination After Facing Abuse for Choosing Barbie
When Ryan Gosling was first announced as playing Ken in the Barbie movie, online trolls tried to “shame” him for taking on the role. But Gosling had the last laugh this Oscar nomination. His portrayal of the plastic doll earned him a Best Supporting Actor nod, prompting proud partner Eva Mendes to celebrate online.
When Ryan Gosling first signed on to play Ken in Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie, internet trolls tried to shame him. Critics called the casting “cringe” and pushed back with the hashtag #NotMyKen. But Gosling’s creative risks paid off, and his offbeat take on the plastic Mattel doll dazzled audiences. The actor brought vulnerability and humor to the role, reimagining Ken as so much more than just Barbie’s accessory.
How Did Ryan Gosling Bring Ken to Life?
As per Deadline, Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig, raked in over $1.4 billion globally, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2023. And Gosling’s offbeat portrayal of Ken stole the show. Bringing depth and humor to the plastic doll, Ryan Gosling made Ken a fan favorite. Even critics who initially mocked his casting came around after seeing his performance.
Alongside co-star Margot Robbie, Gosling made the iconic Mattel toys into fully realized characters. Gosling has said the role presented creative challenges he’d never faced before.
“I felt like I was seeing and doing everything for the first time,” he told Variety.
Now, with an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor, Gosling is getting the last laugh. His proud partner Eva Mendes took to Instagram to celebrate his achievement after standing by him through the early backlash.
How Did Eva Mendes Support Ryan Gosling Through Backlash?
On January 24, Mendes posted a tribute to Gosling on Instagram after his nomination was announced.
“So proud of my man. So much hate when he took on this role. So many people trying to shame him for doing it,” she wrote.
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When internet trolls tried to shame Gosling’s casting, Mendes had his back. The two met on set while filming The Place Beyond the Pines in 2011 and have been together ever since.
Mendes championed her partner’s creative choices, even when Ken was dubbed “cringe.” On Instagram, she hit back at the #NotMyKen negativity.
“To the people who get it: I see you,” she posted cryptically.
Now, with Gosling’s Oscar nod, Mendes is celebrating his risk-taking and shutting down the naysayers. “So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie,” she raved. America Ferrera, who got nominated for supporting actress in Barbie, replied to Mendes:
“He is brilliant as Ken! Pulled off a triple somersault performance! We’re so lucky it was him and I’m so grateful for the way he showed up with his super stardom, and continues to show up to support all the women in this process! He is a class act and insanely deserving and talented.”
Gosling also praised Gerwig and Robbie in his statement, stating:
“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. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius. To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”
While Barbie scored multiple Oscar nominations, Gerwig and Robbie were notably absent from Best Director and Actress. But thanks to Eva Mendes’ support, Ryan Gosling succeeded in bringing Ken to life against all odds.
Barbie is available to rent on Prime Video
