In a star-studded event that took place this weekend at the Ritz Carlton Bacara, Ryan Gosling was honored with the Kirk Douglas Award for Excellence in Film. The Oscar nominated actor received much praise, and also some roasting, from SBIFF Executive Director Roger Durling, “BARBIE: director Greta Gerwig, and actor Steve Carell. This award is given to a lifelong contributor to cinema through their work either in front or behind the camera, or sometimes both.
During his speech, Durling had this to say regarding Gosling and his performance as an actor:
“Ryan Gosling has long been both a dramatic and comedic force in front of the camera. This year, thanks to his universally hailed, triumphant performance as Ken in BARBIE – a film that truly demanded the attention of critics and moviegoers around the world – he has become a true cinematic powerhouse.”
Director Gerwig also shared her words:
“I love, and everyone loves, referencing other actors when they talk about Ryan, because he is such a delicious and totally unexpected combination of genius. He has the burning intensity of Marlon Brando, the tragic realism of Montgomery Cliff, the virtuosic slickness of John Travolta, the sly wit of Gene Wilder.”
Actor Carell had this to add:
“I do love Ryan Gosling. I love him more than my wife. He is smart and intuitive and funny, he is a joy to be around, and most of all, and this is a big one for me, he is kind. Santa Barbara, you got this one right.”
Durling also made note that this is the first time in its history that the event was sold out and gave a huge credit to Gosling and his, “Ken-ergy.”
Gosling was the recipient of the Outstanding Performer of the Year at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in 2017, has been nominated for awards by the Screen Actors Guild and BAFTA, and won a Film Independent Spirit Award.
The Buzz would like to send its congratulations to Ryan Gosling on this achievement.
