Ryan Gosling has had quite the year, especially with his standout role as Ken in the cultural phenomenon Barbie (2023). The film quickly became one of the highest-grossing of all time, emphasizing not just the importance of its star-studded cast but also the clever marketing strategies behind it. Gosling's portrayal of Ken, initially seen as merely comedic, turned out to be much more nuanced and relatable. The character's development showcased the often-overlooked emotional depth, allowing audiences to connect with him on different levels.
Released on July 21, 2023, Barbie drew significant attention for its humorous yet substantial take on various societal issues. With Margot Robbie leading the cast, Gosling's character served as the comedic relief, making the film enjoyable for many. Critics, though, have pointed out the film’s struggles with clear messaging, which some felt muddied the empowering themes it intended to relay. Nonetheless, Gosling’s performance was pivotal, earning him nominations including one for Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars.
Interestingly, Gosling also reflected on his experience working alongside Sir Anthony Hopkins, whom he described as one of his idols. Gosling remarked, “When you work with him, you hope he shows you the way of the Force. Tony is just one of those people who’s good at everything…” This indicates the level of admiration he has for the seasoned actor's creative abilities and the inspiration he draws from such collaborations.
On the home front, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes—who have been together since 2011 after meeting on the set of The Place Beyond the Pines—have managed to balance their life between work commitments and family time. Recently, they spent the holiday season back home in California after spending some months settling down in the UK for Gosling’s new film project.
Mendes recently took to Instagram to share their festive celebrations, posting, "Right now, a very Cali Christmas," along with heartfelt messages to their followers. Her playful take on their life back home revealed how they have continued to cultivate love and warmth within the family, raising their two daughters, Esmeralda, 10, and Amada, 8.
The couple has often been private about their family life, yet during interviews, Gosling has shed light on their low-key lifestyle, explaining they deliberately opt to keep nannies out of the picture, relying instead on Mendes’ mother to help with babysitting duties when needed. Aiming to maintain closeness, he limits himself to one project each year to accommodate significant family time.
While Mendes expressed enjoyment of their life across the ocean, she humorously complained to the Sunday Times about the English weather. “I love how you guys are so up for talking about the weather…” she quipped. Despite the chilly, often unpredictable climate, they have adapted to their new surroundings, sharing their love for the Notting Hill area and its communal gardens, which Mendes described as “magical.”
For Gosling, the focus continues to be on how to balance both his public persona and his commitment to family. His success this past year can be attributed not only to his ability to captivate audiences on screen but also his dedication to being present at home. Gosling’s contributions to the film industry have certainly made waves, but so has his commitment to being a devoted partner and father.
While film critics and audiences debated the merits of Barbie as it became associated with waves of feminist dialogue, Gosling’s performance stood out for being relatable and layered, showcasing the strength of well-written male characters within this narrative. Such discussions only spotlight the era of film being shaped by more diverse stories, where men like Gosling also get the chance to explore vulnerability and emotional complexity.
The scope of Gosling’s career continues to evolve as he tackles new roles, reflects on his craft, and nurtures the bond with his family. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood’s changing dynamics, his year encapsulates the balance many seek between professional success and personal satisfaction.
Gosling’s presence continued to be felt not just on screen but across various conversations surrounding cinematic excellence and gender dynamics, allowing him to leave a distinct mark both professionally and personally as he moves forward. The year 2024 is poised to be significant not just for Gosling's film ventures but also for how he continues to nurture the familial bonds forged during the holiday season.
