Third time may be a charm for Oscar-nominated Burlington movie star

He didn’t live here for a long time, but long enough for Burlington residents to root for him when it comes time to hand out Academy Awards.

Ryan Gosling, the 43-year-old movie star, has just received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.

And the A-list celebrity is expecting to be in the audience when the awards are handed out March 10 in Hollywood.

Gosling has been nominated for his role in Barbie, the 2023 film that brings the toy dolls to life as he portrays Ken, the beau to the leading lady.

Gosling’s family moved to Burlington in 1996 and he spent some of his formative years attending Lester B. Pearson High School before leaving to pursue his acting career.

Despite his relatively short stay in Burlington, those of a certain age remember him from the neighbourhood and time spent in the classroom.

“He was kind of a low-keyed guy but looking back he did have kind of a sparkle to him,” stated a former classmate on a Burlington Facebook chat group. “I guess he was kind of doll even back then…pun intended…lol.”

Despite his nomination, Gosling has since said he is disappointed that some of his co-stars didn’t receive a nod from the Academy.

This is what he said:

“…There is no Ken without Barbie, and there is no Barbie movie without Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie, the two people most responsible for this history-making, globally celebrated film. No recognition would be possible for anyone on the film without their talent, grit and genius. To say that I’m disappointed that they are not nominated in their respective categories would be an understatement. […] Against all odds with nothing but a couple of soulless, scantily clad, and thankfully crotchless dolls, they made us laugh, they broke our hearts, they pushed the culture, and they made history. Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees.”

This is Gosling’s third Academy Award nomination. He was also nominated for Half Nelson (2007) and La La Land (2017).