Why Eva Mendes Wanted Ryan Gosling Back Home After Electrifying Oscars Performance

Ryan Gosling brought full “Kenergy” to the 2024 Oscars. However, his sizzling performance did not stop Eva Mendes from reminding him of his parental duties.

The “Barbie” actor and his longtime lover are a fan-favorite couple, given their over-a-decade romance. While they may not attend red carpets together or give candid insights into their relationship, the pair remain a united front, and Mendes’ latest post proves it.

Mendes had a sweet message for her beau following his electrifying performance of “I'm Just Ken,” his viral musical number from the “Barbie” movie. She shared a picture of herself wearing the pink bedazzled blazer from Gosling's Oscars show with a black cowboy hat and matching dark sunglasses.

The picture appeared to have been taken in a dressing room, presumably Gosling's, given the numerous outfits hanging on a clothing rack beside Mendes. Some of the apparel featured pink themes similar to the actor's ensemble from the 96th Academy Awards show.

While Mendes looked stunning in pink, she wasn't up to play Barbie but to sweetly call her lover back home. After serenading the world as Ken, the “Training Day” actress wanted the man behind the beloved character.

She captioned the Instagram post: “You took Ken all the way to the Oscars, RG. Now come home, we need to put the kids to bed [kiss mark emoji].” While this message showed Mendes’ supportive side, she did not attend the Academy Awards ceremony in person.

This year's Oscars marked a big night for Gosling, who was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor Award for playing Ken. While he didn't go home with the trophy as Robert Downey Jr.’s role in “Oppenheimer” won the category, the actor had a great night.

As stated, Gosling gave an unforgettable performance of his hit musical number “I'm Just Ken” at the award ceremony. He did so in an all-pink ensemble featuring a bedazzled blazer, matching trousers, and a pink shirt that showed off his toned chest.

The Hollywood heartthrob completed the look with pink gloves and dark shades. He gave his all on the vocals while rock legend Slash shredded the guitar as one of Gosling's backup musicians.

During his performance, the “La La Land” actor came down to the front row and enlisted his “Barbie” crew—actress Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig—to help him sing the captivating tune. However, fans couldn't help but notice that his significant other wasn't there to witness this iconic show.

Following Mendes’ sweet message to Gosling, curious fans trooped to the comment section and questioned her absence from the Oscars ceremony. Many stressed that it was a big night for the actor and wondered why she didn't support him by his side.

One IG user blatantly asked: “Why didn't you go with him?” This question sparked numerous responses from other fans, but a commenter stood out from the pack. The individual recalled Mendes’ previous reply to the couple's lack of red carpet appearances, writing:

“She's said before they don't do appearances together. Their careers are individual from their relationship, and they won't mix the 2.”

True to the fan's recollection, Mendes once claimed she and Gosling avoided certain public occasions together. She addressed the situation while reflecting on the 2011 movie, “The Place Beyond the Pines,” which is their sole on-screen collaboration.

Last April, Mendes shared a clip from “The Place Beyond the Pines” on Instagram and reflected on her on-screen chemistry with Gosling. She wrote, “Magic is Real. We did not meet on set. The magic started way before, but here’s a little magic captured on camera. Gracias to the increíble director Derek Cianfrance.”

The post sparked hopes of a possible PDA moment from a fan, who penned: “Eva, I want to be honest w u, but I hope Barbie will get through the Awards Season just to see you w Ryan. I know I’m selfish and probably a dreamer, but I will never stop to dream about it!!.”

Unfortunately, Mendes squashed the fan's dreams, noting a red carpet moment wouldn't happen. In her words: “You’re the best! What a cool comment; thank you. But we don’t do those things together. Like these photos I’ve been posting, I’m only comfortable posting because it’s already out there.”

Mendes continued: “Oh wait -for those who may catch me in a ‘lie’ -we only were on the red carpet together once when promoting this film.” When another fan asked why she was uncomfortable, the “2 Fast 2 Furious” actress replied:

“By “not comfortable,” I mean exposing the very private life that we value. I’m dying to do another movie with him, though…”