Eva Mendes expressed her pride and support for her partner, Ryan Gosling, after he received an Oscar nomination for his role in the film "Barbie." Mendes took to Instagram to defend Gosling against critics who had previously slammed his performance as Ken in the movie. She praised him for creating an original and iconic character, despite the negative reactions and attempts to shame him. Mendes shared screenshots of an article from June 2022, in which Gosling was criticized for his portrayal of a creepy older man and for his bleach-blond hair and costumes in the film.

Mendes' show of support was echoed by Gosling's co-star, America Ferrera, who also expressed pride for his performance as Ken.

Other celebrities, such as Padma Lakshmi, commended Gosling's portrayal of the character, calling it a difficult role that he executed exceptionally well.

In addition to Gosling's nomination, Ferrera was also nominated for best supporting actress. However, fans and industry insiders were disappointed that the film's director, Greta Gerwig, and star, Margot Robbie, were snubbed. Ferrera shared her disappointment, emphasizing Gerwig's contributions as a director and Robbie's exceptional acting skills.

Gosling also expressed his disappointment at the snub, stating that there is no "Barbie" movie without Gerwig and Robbie, who were instrumental in making the film a global phenomenon. "Barbie" was a box office success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide.

Gerwig made history as the first female director for Warner Bros. to reach the billion-dollar mark with "Barbie." The film's success and critical acclaim solidify its place as a significant achievement in the industry.