Topline
A four-song EP starring Ryan Gosling as Ken from “Barbie”—the year’s highest-grossing film—was released on streaming platforms Wednesday, including a “Merry Kristmas Barbie” version of the Grammy-nominated hit “I’m Just Ken.”
Ryan Gosling as Ken in “Barbie.”
Key Facts
The album titled “Ken The EP” was released by Gosling and “Barbie” composers Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt with four versions of the same song, the original version of which debuted at No. 87 on the Billboard Hot 100 this summer and has been nominated for a Golden Globe, Grammy and other awards.
The original version of the song is joined on the record by “I’m Just Ken (Merry Kristmas Barbie),” “I’m Just Ken (In My Feelings Acoustic)” and “I’m Just Ken (Purple Disco Machine Remix).”
The holiday version of the song, and accompanying video, features Gosling singing the emotional ballad over the sounds of traditional holiday bells and adds Christmas choir-esque backing vocals.
Key Background
“Barbie” was the highest-grossing of the year with a $1.44 billion worldwide draw, according to Box Office Mojo. The movie’s soundtrack also achieved commercial success, with Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken,” Dua Lipa’s “Dance The Night,” “Speed Drive” by Charli XCX and “Barbie World” by Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice charting on the Billboard Hot 100. The “Barbie” soundtrack scored a total of 11 Grammy nominations, including best song written for visual media for “I’m Just Ken,” record of the year for Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” and best compilation soundtrack for visual media. The movie has made almost every list of Academy Award nominee predictions in one category or another, particularly for score-based awards. Billboard predicts “I’m Just Ken” and “What Was I Made For?” will be in contention for best original song, and that the overall score could also earn a nomination.
What To Watch For
The 2024 Academy Award shortlist will be revealed Dec. 21 and the nominees will be formally announced on Jan. 23, 2024.
Surprising Fact
Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, who wrote “I’m Just Ken,” won the best original song Academy Award five years ago for “Shallow,” which was performed by Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga in “A Star Is Born.”
Further Reading
MORE FROM FORBESWhy Barbie Made Forbes’ 2023 Power Women ListBy Maggie McGrath
MORE FROM FORBESCan The ‘American Girl’ Movie Rival ‘Barbie’s’ Success? Here’s What We Know.By Mary Whitfill RoeloffsMORE FROM FORBESBarbie, Inc: How A $3 Toy Inspired A Multi-Billion-Dollar Dream WorldBy Marisa DellattoMORE FROM FORBESHow To Watch The ‘Barbie’ Movie At HomeBy Monica Mercuri
