‘And the Oscar goes to…” Not Greta Gerwig
Award shows, even one as glamorous as the Academy Awards presentations on March 4, can bore viewers by playing it safe. With one performance, one man changed the entire mood and ambience of the year’s most famous event.
Ryan Gosling’s Oscar performance was “Kenough” to captivate audiences far and wide. His show stopping performance of the Barbie hit “I’m Just Ken” was raw and emotional; clearly, Gosling holds Ken near and dear to his plastic heart. Dressed in a glittery pink suit and top hat, Gosling began the performance from a seat in the audience, surrounded by his Barbie costars. The outfit and performance were an homage to the “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend” sequence from the 1953 adaptation of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Gosling’s strut to the stage and dramatic gestures did not disappoint. When he was joined by Slash for a guitar solo and began body surfing? Perfection.
While fans were delighted to experience this live rendition of the movie’s comedic melody, there was still unrest surrounding the movie’s nominations. The film is a letter to everyone who lives the reality of womanhood; from shedding yet honoring the shell of the girl a woman had to leave behind, to the unbreakable bond a mother and daughter share, and a plot that upturns the patriarchy with empowering portrayal. Despite this, the movie’s director, Greta Gerwig, did not receive a Best Director nominee for the masterful creation. One of the most popular movies of 2024, with never ending decipherable meaning and glamor, was reduced to ash and bone. The media’s outrage spilled into ads, one of which featuring Gosling himself.
In addition to the feminist protest, many actors used their Oscar appearances to raise awareness and protest against the genocide in Gaza. The protesters carried signs reading, “No awards for genocide.” Another act of protest was wearing red pins symbolizing ceasefire in Gaza. This included Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas, who won an Oscar for Barbie song “What Was I Made For,” marking her as the youngest person with two Oscars under her name.
Barbie left the scene with six Oscars, but wasn’t the only film stealing attention as its July 21 counterpart, Oppenheimer, had some serious victories as well. With 13 nominations, Oppenheimer won seven. Their victories fell short of record breaking, however, they earned the most Oscars of the night (and most of the major awards). Cillian Murphy, who played the lead role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, took home the award for Best Male Actor in a Leading Role. Whether the seven to six Oscar ratio settles the “Barbenheimer” debate is for fans to decide, but regardless, both films hold a special place in their loyal hearts.
by Genna Blustin
Published April 1st 2024
Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue VI