Ryan Gosling's Detailed Preparation for 'I'm Just Ken' Oscars Tribute to Marilyn Monroe

Ryan Gosling Planned Marilyn Monroe Homage in Oscars Performance

Bettmann Archive/Getty Images; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Ryan Gosling's unforgettable performance at the 2024 Oscars wowed the audience. The pink-clad homage to Marilyn Monroe was actually Gosling's own idea. He paid tribute to Monroe's iconic "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" performance from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by wearing a striking hot pink suit. Surrounding himself with Kens in black tuxedos on the stairs, Gosling replaced the red hearts with large Barbie head cutouts for a unique twist on the choreography.

According to Molly McNearney, the producer of the Oscars and wife of host Jimmy Kimmel, Ryan Gosling came up with the idea to pay tribute to Monroe in the performance. Gosling worked closely with his collaborators from Barbie to plan many details of the show-stopping number.

McNearney, 46, shared with Variety that Gosling is a dedicated professional. They had meetings with him over Zoom months before the performance to discuss creative aspects. Greta Gerwig also provided input on the performance. Gosling's choreographer, Mandy Moore, and the song's cowriter, Mark Ronson, were actively involved in the planning process.

During an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Moore, 47, shared more details about Gosling's role in the planning process.

Ryan Gosling Planned Marilyn Monroe Homage in Oscars Performance

Moore mentioned that Ryan had a clear vision for the performance. He planned to begin with the audience, move up to see Mark and Andrew Wyatt, ignite the Ken-delabras, and then join the 10 dejected Kens on the stairs. The goal was for the number to progress with Kens appearing from all directions, leading to a grand celebration revealing Slash.

During the performance, there were special appearances by Slash from Guns N’ Roses playing guitar and Emma Stone, a frequent collaborator of Gosling, singing into his microphone from the crowd. Director Gerwig, along with stars Margot Robbie and America Ferrera, also took the opportunity to share the microphone with Gosling.

Ryan Gosling Planned Marilyn Monroe Homage in Oscars Performance

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Moore mentioned how important it was for him to have Margot, Greta, and America included. He wanted them in the front so he could go over to them and have them join in singing.

Gosling had a specific line in mind for Stone, 35, to sing, which she cleverly responded to with, "So am I." The duo, who are longtime friends, have worked together on multiple films such as Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) and La La Land (2016). Later in the evening, when Stone won the Best Actress award for her role in Poor Things, she humorously mentioned possibly splitting her dress during the excitement of Gosling's performance.

During the performance, other cast members from the movie, including Simu Liu, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Ncuti Gatwa, and Scott Evans, joined in. The elaborate performance featured a 40-piece orchestra, 62 dancing Kens, and 24 Barbie head cutouts, creating a memorable and entertaining moment for all.

At the awards show, "I’m Just Ken" was nominated for Best Original Song, competing against other songs like Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie, Becky G’s “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot, Jon Batiste’s “It Never Went Away” from American Symphony, and Scott George’s “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from Killers of the Flower Moon. Despite Gosling’s great performance, Eilish, 22, ended up winning the award, earning her second Oscar of the night and the only win for Barbie.

Editor's P/S:

Ryan Gosling's extraordinary performance at the 2024 Oscars, paying homage to Marilyn Monroe in a dazzling pink suit, was a testament to his creativity and dedication. His meticulous planning and collaboration with his team resulted in a show-stopping number that captivated the audience. Gosling's vision for the performance, including the iconic choreography, the presence of Emma Stone and Slash, and the involvement of his Barbie co-stars, showcased his commitment to delivering a memorable and entertaining experience.

Despite the performance's nomination for Best Original Song, Billie Eilish ultimately won the award. However, Gosling's performance remains a highlight of the evening, demonstrating his versatility and passion for his craft. His attention to detail and his ability to bring his unique vision to life make him a true artist who continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.