Los Angeles, CA – Eva Mendes, actress and businesswoman, has come forward to show her support for her husband Ryan Gosling in response to the initial backlash he faced for his role as Ken in the movie “Barbie.” Despite receiving acclaim and an Oscar nomination for his portrayal, Gosling was criticized by some for playing a doll.
Mendes shared an example of a critical article from Rolling Stone magazine in June 2022, titled “Sorry to Be the One to Say It, but Ryan Gosling Is Giving Major Cringe as Ken in ‘Barbie.’” Taking to Instagram on Wednesday, Mendes expressed her pride in Gosling and his ability to create a unique and iconic character despite the negative reactions. She wrote, “So beyond proud to be this Ken’s Barbie.”
Mendes and Gosling first met while working together on the film “The Place Beyond the Pines” in 2012. They later got married and have two daughters together.
In addition to the backlash faced by Gosling, controversy has also surrounded his Academy Award nomination. Many Barbie enthusiasts expressed disappointment that Greta Gerwig was not nominated for Best Director and that Margot Robbie did not receive a nomination for Best Leading Actress.
Responding to the criticism, Gosling expressed his disappointment in Gerwig and Robbie’s exclusion but also acknowledged his honor at receiving a nomination himself. He emphasized the importance of Gerwig and Robbie’s contributions to the film, stating, “No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit, and genius.”
Gosling concluded his statement by praising the impact of the film and the work of Gerwig and Robbie, saying, “Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture, and they made history.” He called for their recognition alongside other deserving nominees.
The support from Mendes and Gosling for each other in the face of criticism highlights their strong bond as a couple. Despite the initial backlash, Gosling’s portrayal of Ken in “Barbie” has been widely celebrated and has solidified his place as a talented actor in Hollywood.