Ryan Gosling's Performance of ‘I’m Just Ken’ Is the Best Thing to Happen to the Oscars

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Rich Polk/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling may not have taken home the Academy Award for best original song at the 2024 Oscars, but his performance of “I’m Just Ken” sure won my heart.

From the moment Gosling stepped out in that glittering pink suit, I knew the memes were imminent—but I didn’t know just how obsessed the internet would become. With the help of plenty of the Barbie-movie Kens, producer Mark Ronson, and hard-rock guitarist Slash, the 43-year-old actor produced a Hollywood performance like we haven’t seen since Marilyn Monroe donned her pink dress and gloves for “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)—and yes, I know that’s what Gosling & Co. were going for.

Don’t take my word for it—check out the reactions from the audience, as well as on X.com (or as those on X.com would call it, Twitter). “Ryan Gosling fully belting out ‘I’m Just Ken’ is the one of the most incredible Oscar musical performances I’ve ever seen,” Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh wrote in a tweet that’s already received over a thousand likes. “People were screaming, cheering and gasping inside the Dolby.”

One X.com user went so far as to say that Gosling “has more stage presence than any male pop star alive.”

“I hope the kenergy never leaves Ryan Gosling,” wrote Nora Dominick, who pointed out that Margot Robbie could not stop laughing during the song’s opening. Another user noticed that Robbie and Barbie director Greta Gerwig literally “JUMPED” from their seats.

Of course, one highlight was the La La Land reunion between Gosling and former costar Emma Stone (or Crazy Stupid Love reunion, depending on who you ask). Honestly, it seemed as though she’d waited her whole life to sing, “and so am I” into Gosling’s mic.

While this was a great sales pitch for La La Land 2, I personally agree with X.com user who tweeted, “ok can’t believe I’m saying this, but Ryan Gosling for Super Bowl Halftime Show?”

I don’t know why there was a question mark there. Let’s make it happen.

All the Best Looks From the 2024 Oscars Red Carpet

Image may contain: Greta Lee, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Standing, Accessories, and Bracelet

Greta Lee

In Loewe.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Sandra Hüller, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

Sandra Hüller

In custom Schiaparelli.
Sarah Morris
Image may contain: Florence Pugh, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Evening Dress, Adult, Person, Wedding, and Premiere

Florence Pugh

In Del Core.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Jodie Foster, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Evening Dress, and Premiere

Jodie Foster

In Loewe.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Ariana Grande, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Person, Adult, and Formal Wear

Ariana Grande

In Giambattista Valli Haute Couture and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
Image may contain: Danielle Brooks, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Footwear, High Heel, Shoe, and Accessories

Danielle Brooks

In custom Dolce & Gabbana.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Image may contain: Margot Robbie, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Premiere, and Evening Dress

Margot Robbie

In Versace.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Emma Stone, Fashion, Formal Wear, Clothing, Dress, Adult, Person, Wedding, Accessories, and Jewelry

Emma Stone

In custom Louis Vuitton.
Jeff Kravitz
Image may contain: Molly Sims, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Formal Wear, and Ring

Molly Sims

In Georges Chakra spring-summer 2024 couture, Mach & Mach shoes, and Rahaminov jewelry.
JC Olivera/Getty Images
Image may contain: Issa Rae, Fashion, Adult, Person, Premiere, Red Carpet, Clothing, Dress, Footwear, High Heel, and Shoe

Issa Rae

In AMI Paris and Gianvito Rossi shoes.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Formal Wear, and Premiere

Gabrielle Union

In Carolina Herrera, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and Tiffany & Co. jewelry.
John Shearer
Image may contain: America Ferrera, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Evening Dress, Formal Wear, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

America Ferrera

The best supporting actress nominee did perfect Barbiecore in custom Atelier Versace, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and Pomellato jewelry.
Marleen Moise/Getty Images
Image may contain: Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Footwear, Shoe, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, and High Heel

Grace Gummer

In Gucci.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Billie Eilish, Clothing, Skirt, Person, Adult, Accessories, Bag, Handbag, Footwear, High Heel, and Shoe

Billie Eilish

In Chanel.
JC Olivera/Getty Images
Image may contain: Fran Drescher, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Adult, Person, Fashion, Footwear, and Shoe

Fran Drescher

In a nude illusion dress.
Sarah Morris
Image may contain: Olivia Munn, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Premiere, Red Carpet, and Formal Wear

Olivia Munn

In Fendi.
Sarah Morris
Image may contain: Cynthia Erivo, Fashion, Accessories, Bracelet, Jewelry, Ring, Adult, Person, Bag, Handbag, and Clothing

Cynthia Erivo

In Louis Vuitton.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Image may contain: Becky G, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Footwear, High Heel, Shoe, Black Hair, Hair, and Premiere

Becky G

In Vera Wang.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Eva Longoria, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Formal Wear, Adult, and Person

Eva Longoria

In Tamara Ralph.
Marleen Moise/Getty Images
Image may contain: Kelly Ripa, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Adult, Person, Wedding, and Premiere

Kelly Ripa

In a sheer black gown.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Emily Blunt, Fashion, Premiere, Red Carpet, Adult, Person, Wedding, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

Emily Blunt

In Schiaparelli Couture.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Zendaya, Clothing, Dress, Fashion, Formal Wear, Evening Dress, Gown, Adult, and Person

Zendaya

In Armani Privé and Bulgari jewelry.
Christina House/Getty Images
Image may contain: Jennifer Lawrence, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Person, Adult, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

Jennifer Lawrence

In custom Christian Dior haute couture and Swarovski Created Diamonds jewelry.
Lexie Moreland/Getty Images
Image may contain: Carey Mulligan, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Adult, Person, Wedding, Premiere, Red Carpet, and Formal Wear

Carey Mulligan

In custom Balenciaga couture.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Fashion, Person, Adult, Wedding, Standing, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

Da'Vine Joy Randolph

In custom Louis Vuitton.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Greta Gerwig, Fashion, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Adult, Wedding, Clothing, Dress, and Ring

Greta Gerwig

In a gold tank dress.
WWD/Getty Images
Image may contain: Kate McKinnon, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Fashion, Adult, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

Kate McKinnon

In a black suit.
John Shearer
Image may contain: Jon Batiste, Person, Standing, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Adult, Fashion, Footwear, Shoe, and Coat

Jon Batiste

In a maroon tux.
Christina House/Getty Images
Image may contain: Regina King, Fashion, Adult, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Ring, Bracelet, Clothing, and Footwear

Regina King

Custom Atelier Versace and Pomellato jewelry.
Christina House/Getty Images
Image may contain: Annette Bening, Person, Standing, Fashion, Accessories, Glasses, and Adult

Annette Bening

In a blue jumpsuit and floor-grazing robe.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, Fashion, Accessories, Formal Wear, Tie, Clothing, Footwear, Shoe, and Adult

Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons

Dunst in Gucci and Fred Leighton jewelry.
Christina House/Getty Images
Image may contain: Camila Alves, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Footwear, High Heel, Shoe, Adult, Person, Glove, and Evening Dress

Camila Alves

In custom Atelier Versace.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Melissa McCarthy, Fashion, Adult, Person, Clothing, Dress, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, and Formal Wear

Melissa McCarthy

In a two-toned pink and red gown.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Charlize Theron, Fashion, Premiere, Red Carpet, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Adult, Person, and Wedding

Charlize Theron

In Dior.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Catherine O'Hara, Fashion, Adult, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Premiere, and Red Carpet

Catherine O’Hara

In a slick formfitting black gown.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Lily Gladstone, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Adult, Person, Formal Wear, Evening Dress, and Accessories
Image may contain: Lupita Nyong'o, Fashion, Person, Standing, Adult, Wedding, Premiere, and Red Carpet

Lupita Nyong’o

The Oscar winner wore custom Armani Privé in blue with a sophisticated feathered detail.
Gilbert Flores/Getty Images
Image may contain: Michelle Yeoh, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Glove, Evening Dress, Adult, Person, and Footwear

Michelle Yeoh

The 2023 best-actress winner wore a silver gown by Balenciaga haute couture with black gloves.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Image may contain: Anya Taylor-Joy, Fashion, Premiere, Red Carpet, Adult, Person, Wedding, Clothing, Dress, and Accessories

Anya Taylor Joy

In Christian Dior haute couture.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images
Image may contain: Jesse Plemons, Kirsten Dunst, Fashion, Clothing, Formal Wear, Suit, Accessories, Tie, Adult, and Person

Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons

The Hollywood power couple looked chic in black and white, with Dunst wearing Gucci.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Image may contain: Hailee Steinfeld, Fashion, Clothing, Dress, Formal Wear, Gown, Evening Dress, Wedding, and Wedding Gown

Hailee Steinfeld

Steinfeld's aqua Elie Saab gown is giving mermaid in the best way.
Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Image may contain: Colman Domingo, Blazer, Clothing, Coat, Jacket, Formal Wear, Suit, Adult, Person, Standing, and Tuxedo

Colman Domingo

The best-actor nominee and always snazzy dresser wore Louis Vuitton with an Omega watch.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
Image may contain: Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Fashion, Accessories, Jewelry, Necklace, Adult, Person, and Wedding

Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade

Union wore a sparkly silver Carolina Herrera dress, Stuart Weitzman shoes, and jewelry by Tiffany & Co. Wade wore custom Atelier Versace.
Christina House/Getty Images
Image may contain: Issa Rae, Fashion, Adult, Person, Accessories, Jewelry, Ring, Premiere, Red Carpet, Clothing, and Footwear

Issa Rae

Rae wore a sleek black gown by AMI Paris.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images
Image may contain: Laverne Cox, Fashion, Premiere, Red Carpet, Adult, Person, Wedding, Accessories, Jewelry, and Necklace

Laverne Cox

Cox, a red carpet host for E\!, wore a Mugler black dress with gold bodice, with Al Zain necklace, Le Vian, Anabela Chan, and Zydo rings, and Marco Morante neck sash.
FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images

Originally Appeared on Glamour