I'm Just Ken (live Oscars performance) Official Reaction (Ryan Gosling, Mark Ronson, Slash)

We check out the live performance of "I'm Just Ken", starring Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson, from the 2024 Oscars!
About Barbie:
Barbie is a comedy film directed by Greta Gerwig, who co-wrote it with Noah Baumbach. Based on the Barbie fashion dolls by Mattel, the film is the first live-action Barbie film after several computer-animated direct-to-video and streaming television films. The film stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling as Barbie and Ken, respectively, with a large ensemble supporting cast.
The film was announced in September 2009 by Universal Pictures with Laurence Mark producing, but development began in April 2014, when Sony Pictures acquired its rights. Following multiple writer and director changes and the casting of two different actresses to play the title role, Sony lost the rights and these were subsequently transferred to Warner Bros. Pictures in October 2018, with Robbie in talks to star. Robbie was cast in 2019 and serves as a producer (through the LuckyChap Entertainment banner) with production credited alongside Heyday Films and Mattel Films. Gerwig was confirmed as director and co-writer with Baumbach in 2021. Gosling and the rest of the cast were announced in early 2022, and principal photography began that March in England, wrapping in July.
Barbie is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 21, 2023, by Warner Bros. Pictures.
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About Nerd Safari:
Ellie and Simon Rice host movie events and parties for the Alamo Drafthouse movie theaters, introducing movies they love, talking trivia and hosting goofy competitions to win prizes.
They decided to put these movie introductions online to act as recommendations, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown, as well as share their passion for great movies, especially those gems that you may have overlooked or forgotten!
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They love to meet new people, chat about great movies and collaborate on projects, so please leave a comment or reach out to chat!

[@jbearclowater]

Can Ryan Gosling just perform at every Oscars from now on

[@Gzoratto]

Gosling fell into a vat of charisma at birth. As a Canadian, I get the self effacing comic vibe.

[@NerdSafari]

... and if so, can the Oscars be a weekly occurrence, please?!

[@AdriBordin]

YES

[@Milichay]

I agree.

[@KBRoller]

@@Gzoratto Look, you guys have Gosling *and* Reynolds. Can you save some charismatic Ryans for the rest of the world, please?! 😂

[@flor9389]

The song didn’t win an Oscar. It won the Oscars. Slash, Ronson, and Wolfgang Van Halen are all reasons to love this.

[@NerdSafari]

Completely agree with you! An Oscar will sit on a shelf gathering dust, while I think this performance will be a phenomenon that people talk about for years to come!

[@flor9389]

@@NerdSafari there’s a Rolling Stone video with Mark Ronson about how the song was written. Definitely worth a watch if you’re a WVH fan.

[@MissFitHero]

You stole my comment 😂

[@joyanna9433]

i love how unserious he is. he was fighting for his life not to burst out laughing. I love him so much

[@NerdSafari]

YES! Completely agree with you!

[@DP-hy4vh]

Ryan Goslings performance at the Oscars will be remembered for years.

[@tefweebz]

It’s so weird that people were saying this movie hated men, when Ken’s entire plot is getting out from under Barbie’s shadow and discovering why he himself is awesome outside of being paired with Barbie. It’s a VERY uplifting movie for Men AND Women. The song itself is really reflective, even with all of its silliness. I did not expect so much depth from Barbie as a movie, but I LOVE it.

[@NerdSafari]

I completely agree with you; I came out of the theater extremely moved, feeling like they had told an inclusive story for men, women and everyone in between, and was shocked to hear the negative reviews complaining about rampant feminism and wokeness! I guess there will always be haters who miss the point!

[@dianecostanza]

The younger generation misses the reference to Marilyn Monroe’s’ movie scene “diamonds are a girls best friend”. The kens are all dressed from that movie.

[@f10n4]

And also the human candelabras are from that scene too.

[@p.jauregui8006]

even Ken with that pink suit full of diamonds

[@emilchaos1489]

Its such a song because its pure joy and letting go of the insecurities of so many men

[@CandieP]

It’s the Anti Toxic Masculinity song 😂

[@CandieP]

I love the I’m just Ken song because it’s Ken’s realization of his worth. He’s not just Beach, he’s not just Barbie’s long term, long distant, low commitment, casual boyfriend. He’s KEN and that’s Kenough 💖

[@NerdSafari]

Well said!!! And he's great at doing stuff!!! ❤️

[@CandieP]

@@NerdSafari 😂😂 most definitely.

[@MCMNasty2]

This is going to go down in history.

[@NerdSafari]

It definitely deserves to!

[@julieharden2433]

The guys on the guitar next to Slash is Wold Van Halen, the late Eddie Van Halen's son.

[@NerdSafari]

WHAT?! Can't believe we didn't spot him - thanks for letting us know!!! ❤️

[@Superion74]

His name is Wolfgang Van Halen actually.

[@RobynHurley-zp9sh]

Yep​@@NerdSafari wolfie!

[@markwang77]

stone & gosling did 3 films together: gangster squad, crazy stupid love, and la la land. i like to think that the moment they shared in this 'ken' performance is a continuation of their la la land characters - stone as the highly successful hollywood actress and gosling as the jazz musician that finally hit it big himself

[@denisesf5]

Ryan is pure goodness. Decency personified. It's hearwarming.💖

[@NerdSafari]

It really is!!! We also love how connected he obviously feels to be rest of the Barbie cast and crew, it's just lovely to see!

[@stormshadow101]

Ryan is legend I shouldn’t be surprised thst he could sing lol does everything and add in slash best guitarist

[@km6509]

Well he sang on Mickey Mouse Club and had his own band called Dead Man's Bones. And there's a scene in Lars and the Real Girl where he sings and his voice is beautiful. Been a fan since his Mickey Mouse days! :)

[@fangal12]

​@@km6509don't forget La La Land

[@kimberleyrae1922]

This was probably the first monday in forever that ive left for work in a great mood. This was so good i almost cried happy tears of joy 😂

[@NerdSafari]

Glad that we weren't the only ones who got hit in the feels by this amazing performance! So awesome to have yet another reason to celebrate Barbie and Ken! ❤️

[@tardisuser756w14]

One of The Kens now has the role of The Doctor in Doctor Who!

[@donlee.4308]

Ryan turned Oscars into a broadway musical..

[@NerdSafari]

YES! And I would definitely go see a Broadway version of Barbie if they ever made it! 😂

[@wandapowell7914]

Do you remember the original Ken doll? I saw the interview that Ryan did with Jimmy Fallon, where Ken was just Barbie's accessory. Nobody ever played with the Ken doll. He was "Just Ken!" And Mr. Gosling basically brought Ken to life, with an outstanding performance of who Ken really was back in the day, and apparently even now.

[@geemoran]

A reporter noted that the montage in the performance was reminiscent of the iconic "Material Girl" video by Madonna, which paid tribute to a famous Marilyn Monroe movie scene. Whether intentional or not, I do see this similarity and think it made the performance all the more iconic.

[@NerdSafari]

Wow, great point - I hadn't spotted that when we watched it, but it did feel weirdly familiar and it does seem to parallel that Madonna video a lot! 😁

[@geemoran]

@@NerdSafari yeah! Both amazing women that were - definitely - ahead of their times and heavy criticized by society. Cool inspo for a big I'm just Ken number ⚡️💖

[@TrentinaNE]

Ryan Gosling has said it was directly inspired by Marilyn Monroe and Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend.

[@geemoran]

@@TrentinaNE so cool! When I heard about it from the reporter I believe it was her guessing. The movie is hysterically funny also, I'm glad it was intentional.

[@cmarq817]

The scenario in the beginning is evocative of “Diamonds are a girl’s best friends” by Marilyn amontoe

[@NerdSafari]

Oh wow, that's an awesome reference, we didn't spot that! Thanks for sharing! 😁

[@emerilynn]

I'm so glad to know i wasn't the only one getting emotional. so many feels. 1- just how everything came together and it was just a beautiful moment in time that we all wish we were a part of. 2 - it appeared that Ryan was at ease and really enjoying himself during that performance with full confidence, and i think a part of me was in aw of what that must feel like. 3 - "and I'm enough" we are all enough! I mean Kenough!!!!

[@NerdSafari]

Completely agree with you on these points; I think you summed up exactly what makes me emotional about this song! I've been in environments where you're gaslit and undermined constantly, and sometimes it's hard to remember that you're enough, and you might just be great at doing stuff!!! ❤️

[@denniszenanywhere]

To me, what Ken means is that all of us men are ok letting women rule the world if they want to -- so we men can take a break from all the expectations on us being men -- and be chill and stoic about it.

[@NerdSafari]

Wow, well put! I think you might be on to something... 😁

[@denniszenanywhere]

@@NerdSafari Marcus Aurelius!

[@kelleycarr9065]

I actually cannot figure out how AMAZING I felt during this performance!!!!!!!!!! I think it’s a combination of Ryan being a man yet absolutely fabulous at the same time!!!! What a tribute to feminism and guys being able to be pink, for lack of a better definition!!! Loved you guys reaction. I’m following you!! 🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@NerdSafari]

Thank you so much for the kind words, and for sharing your feelings on this song with us! I think you summed it up perfectly - if only more people felt able to be their authentic self, no matter what colors they're wrapped in! ❤️

[@jjjones8609]

The real secret of this performance is based on the Marilyn Monroe movie musical performance of Diamonds are a girls best friend. The color of sets and costuming is all based on that. That is why Ryan is wearing that color and the guys are dressed that way. They just added cowboy hats from Barbie.

[@NerdSafari]

That is just awesome! ❤️

[@lindataggart9076]

The guitarist at the end with his back leaning against Slash is Eddie Van Halens son.. Wolfgang Van Halen.. Wolfie

[@ArtByDesign80]

Like the nod to Marilyn Monroe…Diamonds Are A Girl’s Bestfriend

[@doloresthomastochio3291]

Mark himself said that it was the emotion that Ryan conveyed when singing this song that made it a hit, but you guys don't even mention his name, or praise how good his voice sounds live. Ryan was the one who gave all the ideas, including the reference to Marilyn, the kiss to the cameraman, having Margot, Greta, America and Emma be there to sing with them, the faces... and not once have you praised his work. For you success is anywhere else but in him

[@mrlogan-ut2te]

Let’s us all be honest. If WBD decides to do a Barbie sequel or a Ken spin off, it will be because this sensational performance.

[@NerdSafari]

Very true! Well, that and the $1.4bn they made! 😂

[@mrlogan-ut2te]

@@NerdSafari How True.

[@tthom2459]

the absolute best part of the Oscars.

[@pixiewings21_9]

When God got out his moddeling clay and made Ryan Gosling, I bet he treated himself to a cheeky champers afterwards. This was a magical and blissful moment in an otherwise 'ok' Oscars. So pleased I saw it live.

[@jennapecor1865]

It’s Ryan gosling and how he played the character.

[@peacearena]

I'm 71 and vividly remember and experienced life when it was not acceptable for men to have much less express feelings or vulnerability. To me, this anthem is the final glorious expression of freedom for men to be fully human, just like women to have been liberated from societal restraints that were stupid and destructive. Yes it's fun and funny, but deadly serious too.

[@NerdSafari]

Very well said! And I think that applies to the whole movie; you can have a fun time, laugh your behind off, but also learn things and shed a few tears along the way! ❤️

[@nancybarta8167]

I think its the combination of Ryan Gosling and just all the fun the song makes you feel.Ryan needs to perform all Oscar songs next year!!!!My fave moment is the end with the excellent singing and kissing his necklace for his daughters.But i loved every second of it!!!

[@puck34100]

The other guitarist on stage was Wolfie Van Halen.

[@allyebravo]

This song was for all the boyfriends whose gfs dragged them to the Barbie movie 😂 my bf said "i felt seen"

[@NerdSafari]

Awwww, that's so lovely to hear!!! ❤️

[@user-zb8bb1ou8c]

Haven't seen the movie, but Ryan Gosling's performance at the Oscars made me feel GOOD! It was amazing to see!! I agree that this performance will be remembered for a long time!! I cannot stop watching it!!

[@NerdSafari]

That's awesome that you were able to enjoy the song so much without having seen the movie yet! But also, go see the movie now!!! 😜

[@Bellagirl5677]

No one noticed Wolfgang Van Halen

[@NerdSafari]

So true! Then again, I think in this case we can forgive people for being distracted! 😜

[@deborahhalbert3372]

It won our hearts. We are soooo tired of divisiveness, it felt great to just be silly and love this movie and song. Ryan Gosling a new hero!

[@mariaisabelcarrillo6315]

The stairs wigh all Kens wearing black suits and Gosling in pink with gloves is a homage to that movie of Marilyn and the number Diamonds are the best girl friend, made it too by Madonna in the 80's with the Material Girl video.

[@tbam73]

Its a great song. Simple. And they haf so much brilliant fun with this. The Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend staging was brilliant, the choreo, The Kens, Slash, Wolfgang Van Halen. Cmon

[@NerdSafari]

Completely agree with you - not sure what I was expecting from this, but they delivered way more than I ever could have hoped!

[@LunaWolf29]

I think what causes all the feels, is that we can all relate to Ken-women included. I am a woman and I feel much more like a Ken than a Barbie. Ken is in the background of someone else’s life. I think a lot of us have experience that feeling of not being quite enough, either personally or professionally. Plus it’s such a well written, heartfelt song.

[@NerdSafari]

What a great insight, thanks for sharing this with us! ❤️ Maybe we're all Just Ken, regardless of gender! 😁 And we're all Kenough!!!

[@LunaWolf29]

You’re welcome! 🙂❤️🧑🏻‍🦳👩🏻‍🦳

[@da96103]

Emma Stone was in La La Land with Ryan Gosling so she represents Los Angeles, the real world. So when Ryan travelled from Margo, Greta and America to Emma, it symbolises Ken's journey from Barbieland to the real world.

[@NerdSafari]

Wow, what a cool insight!

[@michaelbee8263]

That’s a stretch

[@MamaMargie]

I love Wolfgang Van Halen was on stage with Slash! I love the song.

[@bendelaportilla3747]

I feel acknowledge... like the black guy who starts crying in therapy meme, like it healed a wound i didn't know i had. ❤❤❤❤

[@NerdSafari]

❤️❤️❤️

[@mileslong7572]

The only way this would be even better if ryan gosling yelled, "See you on the Malibu beach after the song

[@NerdSafari]

😂😂😂 So true!!!

[@lisaashton1124]

I think the movie and this song really shows how vulnerable Ken is.He's giving one hundred percent of himself and unfortunately barbie just doesn't see it and acknowledge it and that is devastating to him

[@vp4744]

This performance on the Oscar stage has many hidden local references, starting with Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, and local bands from LA and Pasadena. It's an homage to Oscars past and has meaning beyond the movie. But you can't forget that Barbies died so Kens could dance.

[@1edwinramos]

The best Oscar I have ever seen ! I’m just Ken❤️

[@heartofgoldonfire]

Love the Ken’s singing together at the ending 🥲

[@user-mi9yb2gb6q]

It will be remembered the same as Georgie Girl as among the greatest Oscar performances

[@MykalNines]

I'm just Ken and that's enough, and i'm great at doing stuff. So hey check me out, yeah, I'm just Ken. It's a song about being okay in being what you are, and how you can be great as whatever or whoever that is. For a lot of guys that's tough because often times you're not allowed to be vulnerable.

[@NerdSafari]

Completely agree with you! ❤️

[@jamhot8243]

I bloody love Ryan! He IS my man crush!!!

[@LAC2131]

I appreciate so much that Ryan doesn't hold back. It's so big and free and ludicrous and poignant.

[@NerdSafari]

Completely agree with you!!! ❤️

[@jeanieolahful]

It’s his delivery. He really acts out the words.

[@32JimT]

The "Barbie" cutout Faces......was Vintage........"Busbee Berkeley"!!😂❤️❤️

[@cristianagoncalves9557]

Perfection!!!!

[@bjb7745]

So many guys refused to watch this joyful movie when it's really about Barbie and Ken's journeys of self discovery. Love the knock off from Marilyn Monroes "Men Prefer Blondes"😊

[@silviamarcal8529]

This performance is better than the movie itself

[@impossiblyindecisive]

If you know your song is campy, you go all out! Make it the only rock spectacular the Oscars will ever have.

[@brucetjetrick9728]

This moment was just before Emma won best actress.

[@Hazey4420]

When Emma Stone won her Oscar she said she broke her dress during this performance lol

[@meghasinghaniahmu]

Slash is in the song too I believe!

[@sueh5241]

Great crew song. I like it cause its telling a story. Yeah guys are have their challenges too. Good to listen to.

[@Craigy2818]

The Ken who kissed him on the cheek is Scott Evans - Captain America's brother! He's gay AF and adorable.

[@NerdSafari]

❤️❤️❤️ We had no idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing this with us!

[@amandaalves_98]

This is absolutely cinema

[@WereMike]

This song is good fun but also legit hits on a level that I believe speaks to a lot of men. The lyric "where I see love she sees a friend" probably resonates with every man because we've all been there.

[@NerdSafari]

Very true!!!

[@ladygreyheart2012]

Slash performed on the original soundtrack.

[@Kaydee815]

This performance ranks up with Tom Holland's Lip Sync Battle as a video I must watch when it's suggested. It's just too amazing to not see it. The subtle details and Ryan's charm add up to perfection.

[@NerdSafari]

I completely agree with you! Any time that I'm having a rough day, I put this song on and it brings a smile to my face (and, often, a tear to my eyes) every single time! ❤️

[@LovedByYou]

He had a week to learn this, and it’s inspired by DIAMONDS are a girls best fiend. 😂❤

[@lisaashton1124]

Emma Stone is his best friend.His best buddy.. They have been in four movies together

[@laerwen]

I haven't even seen the movie (I'm going to!!) but I adored this performance so much and the message that I get from it is: healthy manhood is liberating, not restricting. It's acceptance and authenticity. It's making room for one's self, flaws and all, and sharing connections to other men (and women, and others) in your life, and recognizing that we share universal feelings and needs in this world. It's so hugely relatable and I think a great example of men being healthy men with each other. The affection without self-consciousness, just authenticity and commitment! I just adore the message and this song so much. Ryan Gosling brings SO much to the plate. If you want to see how the song was put together, Rolling Stone put out a youtube video called The Breakdown where they have Mark Ronson explain how it came together. It's a fantastic watch. (I'd link but youtube gets very cranky if you put a link in a comment.) It's nice to see people enjoy this as much as I do! It's days later and I can't stop smiling!

[@NerdSafari]

Well, without seeing the movie I think you already understand the essence of Ken's story arc! I'd definitely recommend checking the movie out, it's a funny, heartwarming, tear-jerking wild ride that really makes you think! And thanks for the tip on the Breakdown video - we'll definitely check that out!

[@lisaashton1124]

They only did two days with the rehearsals believe it or not

[@user-mi9yb2gb6q]

Ryan Gosling can perform

[@7392318]

The song is the opposite of toxic masculinity. It lets men celebrate men without the societal bs. It allows men to be vulnerable, to hold hands, to kiss each other, in genuine love and support without apology.

[@NerdSafari]

You are so right! Thanks for sharing your enthusiasm with us! 😁

[@traydaniel0403]

Now we just need Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Timothee Chalamet, Anne Hathaway, and Gal Gadot to appear in a Barbie sequel, with Emma Stone as Barbie’s best friend Midge who’s in love with Ryan’s Ken, and Cillian Murphy as Human Ken in the real-world, who’s Sasha’s (Ariana Greenblatt) teacher, and the love interest of Margot’s human stereotypical Barbie (Barbara Handler) in a Barbie sequel whenever Greta and Margot are planning on doing it right after when Greta gets done filming Chronicle of Narnia on Netflix. I DO hope that the original actors like America Ferrera, Ariana Greenblatt, Will Ferrell, Kingsley Ben-Adir (who also played Raggae singer Bob Marley in Bob Marley: One Love) Scott Evans, Alexandra Shipp, Michael Cera, Dua Lipa, and John Cena (Mermaid Ken) appear in the sequel too. Also, I think they should bring back Mark Ronson to compose and write more songs for the sequel (probably make it a musical this time) and probably for a Ken movie and Allan spin-off. We definitely need a musical broadway. Let’s start a petition!

[@NerdSafari]

Oh my goodness, sign us up!!! 😁

[@traydaniel0403]

I’m Just Ken May not have won for Best Original Song, but they all did won our hearts though (Congrats to Billie and Finneas though). “What Was I Made For?” was a sad and depressing song I ever heard. I love the live version better because it has a different key than a sad & very depressing studio version. Billie is such an angel. The way she sang it ❤😢

[@NerdSafari]

Wow, you are literally the only other person I've heard from who agrees with me on the Oscar-winning song being a depressing dirge! 😂 Hey, we're all different and it's awesome that we have different tastes, but I was shocked that I'm Just Ken didn't win by a landslide!

[@traydaniel0403]

@NerdSafari That song used to be played a million times in Cinemark where I work at. I got really tired of hearing that sad and depressing song 😢. It was making wanna cry my eyes out. They really didn’t have to play that song twice. They played it the 2nd time during the end credits after Barbie World by Nicki Minaj & Ice Spicee with Aqua.

[@Kap00rwith2os]

Billie Eilish's "What Was I Made For?" is arguably the better song, but "I'm Just Ken" is a lot more fun😍🎶

[@NerdSafari]

It's funny, everyone in my household agrees with you, and I had a long lecture last night about how Billie's song perfectly captures the core messages of the movie, etc. But I find myself listening to this song again and again just because it's so fun and yet has so much heart! ❤️

[@32JimT]

I was 9 years old in 1959. EVERY Girl in my neighborhood got a BARBIE for Christmas!!!😅❤❤ I was a living KEN!! Loneliest Xmas ever because I didn't have a BARBIE!!! 😂😂❤❤

[@NerdSafari]

Well, Jim, anywhere else you'd be a 10! ❤️

[@drieuxkoeppel8152]

And WOLFGANG VAN HALEN!

[@alexhaynes7220]

❤😂🎉😢😮😅

[@LovedByYou]

I just love how you can clearly see this is Ken. Embracing him self and his metrosexual ways. 😂😂. Just free to be he who is, and I ADORE Ryan’ Gosling being so unserious/completely dedicated.

[@NerdSafari]

Absolutely agree with you! He's fabulous and unashamed about it! If only more people could feel free to be this authentic!!!

[@cerka27]

It should’ve won the Oscar. The Academy always picks, boring songs and movies. Seems like you can’t win unless it’s a drama.

[@dsscam]

Overreaction. The performance was spectacular. The song is just funny. No bigger meaning. The song to get emotional about is the other song from the movie that WON the Oscar (2nd straight for the brilliant Billie Eilish and her brother, youngest ever to win 2), "What Was I Made For." Ryan Gosling was great, but there's no need to overreact. The movie was also way overrated, and I'm glad it didn't win any Oscars other than for the more deserving Elish and Finneas, who also won the Grammy for Song of the Year. THAT song is a classic -not I'm Just Ken.

[@NerdSafari]

I guess we'll agree to disagree! Personally, even after numerous lectures from people who try to enlighten me, I cannot stand the Billie Eilish song! I think that I'm Just Ken does a much better job of capturing the fun, poignant aspects of the movie without being a dirge! But hey, everyone is different and we all have different tastes, and I'm glad the other song won an Oscar!