The 96th Academy Awards became the stage for a lighthearted showdown between stars Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt as they presented a special tribute to stunt performers.
The duo had received nominations for the supporting actor award at the 2024 Oscars. Blunt was recognized for her performance as Kitty in Oppenheimer, while Gosling earned his nomination for his role as Ken in Barbie.
While presenting, they took playful jabs at each other, bringing the fan-coined ‘Barbenheimer’ rivalry into the spotlight.
Gosling addressed it head-on, saying, “I’m just happy that we can finally put this ‘Barbenheimer’ rivalry aside.” Blunt, quick with her wit, retorted, “The way this award season has turned out, it wasn’t that much of a rivalry. Just let it go!”
Her quip was a nod to the sweeping success Oppenheimer enjoyed throughout the awards season, from the Golden Globes to the BAFTA Film Awards.
The friendly banter continued as Gosling conceded to the success of Nolan’s atomic bomb epic, but not without a playful dig, suggesting that Oppenheimer rode on the coattails of Barbie’s summer success.
The blockbuster comedy, directed by Greta Gerwig, grossed a staggering $1.4 billion worldwide, becoming Warner Bros.’ top earner in history. Oppenheimer also made an impressive mark with over $960 million in global earnings and became the third highest-grossing film of 2023.
Blunt’s response was equally humorous as she thanked Gosling for ‘Kens-plaining’ and teased him about his need to paint on abs for his role, unlike her co-star Robert Downey Jr.
The playful exchange was one of the major highlights of the evening, showcasing the chemistry between the two stars who will share the screen again in the upcoming action comedy “The Fall Guy.”
Watch their comic presentation at the 2024 Oscars below.