Ryan Gosling had the best reaction after his “Barbie” track “Just a Ken” unexpectedly won Best Song at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards. The global superstar appeared genuinely bewildered when the announcement was made, instantly creating a viral meme moment.
“Barbie” Track “Just a Ken” Shocks With Best Song Win
Few predicted the tongue-in-cheek “Barbie” tune “Just a Ken” would actually win the prestigious Best Song award at the Critics Choice Awards tonight. The synth-pop track, written by Ryan Gosling, Andrew Wyatt and Mark Ronson for the upcoming “Barbie” movie, beat out songs by heavy hitters like Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.
As presenter Janelle Monáe announced “Just a Ken” as the surprise winner, the camera immediately cut to Gosling who looked around in confusion, seemingly believing it was some kind of prank. His hilarious over-the-top reaction quickly set social media alight, spawning thousands of memes and funny tweets.
| Nominees for Best Song | Performers |
|---|---|
| Lift Me Up | Rihanna |
| Ciao Papa | Lady Gaga |
| Carolina | Taylor Swift |
| Just a Ken | Ryan Gosling |
Wyatt and Ronson accepted the honor on behalf of Gosling, who remained seated in amused disbelief. Ronson praised Gosling’s songwriting talents in his speech, while Wyatt thanked the actor for “just having fun” with the track.
The “Barbie” tune tapped into the current zeitgeist with its satirical ode to Ken’s underestimated role in Barbie’s world. The self-deprecating lyrics and 80s pastiche production won over both music critics and audiences.
Gosling’s Reaction Spawns Viral Memes
Gosling’s genuinely dumbfounded reaction upon hearing “Just a Ken” announced as the Critics’ Choice Best Song instantly spawned thousands of hilarious memes and reactions across social media.
The photo of him looking around confused with his hands up has quickly become the viral meme of the night. Fans immediately started sharing the image with funny captions like “When the edibles kick in and you start questioning reality.”
Others drew comparisons of his bewildered expression to the distracted boyfriend meme format.
The relatable moment of shock resonated widely, helping drive Gosling’s name to top trending topics on Twitter within minutes. Critics and commentators also widely praised the mega-star’s willingness to not take himself too seriously.
“Barbie” Movie Gaining Steam After First Trailer
While Gosling’s reaction stole the spotlight, the surprise Best Song win also speaks to the growing buzz around the upcoming “Barbie” movie. When the first photos and footage landed last year, many were skeptical about whether the film based on the famous doll could capture the cultural zeitgeist.
However, the first official trailer released earlier this month gave fans a better taste of the movie’s winkingly subversive take on Barbie’s world. Gosling and co-star Margot Robbie showcase surprising comedic chops as Ken and Barbie, breathing new life into the iconic plastic pair.
The film’s high-profile supporting cast, writer/director Greta Gerwig’s distinct off-beat style and Warner Bros’ major marketing push all suggest “Barbie” could be a surprise hit when it lands this July.
While the Best Song win tonight caught Gosling off-guard, it indicates the movie’s ability to resonate beyond just children’s entertainment. Now the meme-worthy actor behind “Just a Ken” will be looking to translate his viral popularity into box office results later this year.
So while the stunned star didn’t get to make an acceptance speech tonight, he’s sure to have plenty more opportunities to thank fans if “Barbie” becomes the pop culture force many are now expecting.
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