Gosling's face a window into our future

It is unwise to overanalyze the facial expression of an actor.

- By Vinay Menon

Ryan Gosling offers a look of disbelief Monday at the Emmy Awards when the Critics Choice Award went to the song, "I'm Just Ken" which he performed in "Barbie." It was the tortured gaze of a man listening to his doctor relay the terrible prognosis of an incurable disease, Vinay Menon writes.

Unlike pilots or cops, thespians are never off duty. With an arched brow and gentle sigh, a good actor can make you feel his existential angst while he visually scrutinizes the freshness of pastrami behind the deli glass. A good actor can make you believe she is having the time of her life as you bore her senseless while antiquing for bronze lamps.

If you interview an actor, run a tape recorder. Your eyes will deceive you.

Still, every now and again, an actor's seemingly genuine emotion can escape into public view like a streaker on a football field. Or as People put it: "Ryan Gosling's Deadpan Reaction to 'I'm Just Ken' Winning 2024 Critics Choice Award Lights Up Internet." At Sunday's ceremony, presenters Bella Ramsey and Anthony Ramos were announcing the winner for Best Song. And the winner is... "I'm Just Ken"! The camera cut to Canada's Gosling, who belts out the power ballad in "Barbie." The audience clapped and smiled.

Everyone was happy for Ryan Gosling- except Ryan Gosling.

The song's co-writers, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, made their way to the stage. Gosling did not join them. Instead, his eyes darted side to side as if he was refereeing a ping-pong tournament.