LOS ANGELES, March 7 — When Barbie, a neon-pink pop culture phenomenon like no other, was nominated for eight Academy Awards including best picture, the team organising this year’s Oscars gala knew exactly who they needed to approach.

“The fact that Ryan Gosling will be performing I’m Just Ken for the very first time, I think, will be a moment that everybody will want to watch,” Oscars showrunner Raj Kapoor told AFP.