The Internet’s Best Reactions to Ryan Gosling’s ‘I’m Just Ken’ Performance at the Oscars

Let’s face it, we were all looking forward to seeing Ryan Gosling’s “Kenergy” live when he performed “I’m Just Ken” from the Barbie movie at the Oscars tonight. And did he deliver with a big, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”-inspired performance.

Users on X, formerly known as Twitter, lost it: “Ryan gosling starting ‘i’m just ken’ in the audience behind margot robbie who CANNOT stop laughing. genius. i hope the kenergy never leaves ryan gosling #oscars,” one user shared.

“When you lose the Oscar but win the show. #Oscars2024,” another wrote. (Gosling did not win in the Best Supporting Actor category, losing to Oppenheimer’s Robert Downey Jr.)

Some compared Gosling’s Marilyn Monroe homage to Blake Lively’s as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, while others called out the original cinematic reference. “This I’m Just Ken performance is so Gentlemen Prefer Blondes coded,” one wrote.

Some fans also called out his moment with La La Land co-star Emma Stone in the audience:

The rest of the internet was just obsessed. “This performance of I’m Just Ken is the highest form of art, I will hear no counter arguments at this time,” one user summed up perfectly. Here, more of the best, funniest reactions:

On March 9, Oscars eve, People reported that Gosling was “electric” as he rehearsed on stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. “Ryan was in great spirits, and he was a total pro,” a source told the outlet. “He was joking around and having a great time.”

“Ryan was relaxed, his spirits were high, and everyone was having fun,” the insider added. That much was clear on the Oscars stage, and the world is better for it.