Ryan Gosling is to perform “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie” at the Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has confirmed.
Gosling, will perform the playful anthem, that tackles Ken’s frustration at being seen as simply Barbie’s sidekick, with song co-writer Mark Ronson.
The Academy confirmed the move by sharing a list of performers for the 96th Oscars ceremony, confirming each nominee for the Oscar category Music (Original Song) would be performed.
They include:
- Jon Batiste performing “It Never Went Away” from “American Symphony”
- Becky G performing “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot”
- Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell performing “What Was I Made For?” from “Barbie”
- Scott George and the Osage Singers performing “Wahzhazhe (A Song For My People)” from “Killers of the Flower Moon”
- Ryan Gosling and Mark Ronson performing “I’m Just Ken” from “Barbie”
Gosling is also up for a best supporting actor nomination for his portrayal of Barbie’s long-term boyfriend.
Rumours had swirled about the possibility of Gosling taking the stage, but until now nothing was set in stone.
In a Variety article in early February, Gosling insisted that the Academy hadn’t yet asked him to perform.
“It might be too much of a risk to have me do it,” said Gosling. “I don’t know how that would work. But I’m open to it.”
“I’m Just Ken” is one of two “Barbie” tracks that earned an Oscar nomination for best original song. The other is “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish and Finneas, which took out the Grammy for best song written for visual media earlier in February this year, over “I’m Just Ken” and fellow “Barbie” hit “Dance the Night” by Dua Lipa.
Back when the nominations were revealed without nods for Gosling’s co-star Margot Robbie in the best actress category or for Greta Gerwig for best director, Gosling revealed his disappointment they had not been recognised.
“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,” he said in a statement. “… To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement.”
The movie is up for eight Oscar nominations overall, including a best supporting actress nod for America Ferrera. Gerwig is nominated for best adapted screenplay with her partner, Noah Baumbach, and Robbie is also a producer for the movie, which is up for best picture.
The Oscars, this year hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, will be held at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre on Sunday, March 10.
