Ryan Gosling WILL perform I'm Just Ken live at Oscars next month following Barbie nomination snubs controversy, source reveals

After weeks of speculation following the controversial Barbie Oscars snubs, Ryan Gosling will take the stage to perform the film's nominated hit song at the award show next month, DailyMail.com can reveal. 

Inside sources confirm the Canadian-born actor, 43, who himself is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ken in the summer blockbuster, will be singing 'I'm Just Ken' at the star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles on March 10. 

The idea for the live performance has been the subject of speculation since Gosling and the hit number were announced among this year's Oscar nominations last month - while the film's female lead Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were snubbed.

Ryan Gosling will perform I'm Just Ken live at the Oscars next month, DailyMail.com can reveal

The idea for the live performance has been the subject of speculation since Gosling and the hit number were among the eight Oscar nominations Barbie received last month 

And while it is customary for a Best Original Song nominee to be performed during the award show, the prospect of the special performance by Gosling became overshadowed by the controversy.

Barbie received a total of eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for America Ferrera, and Best Original Song for Ken's existential track, I'm Just Ken. 

The Academy's controversial decision sparked a wider debate about sexism in the industry among actors and fans alike on social media, and even saw Gosling issue an extraordinary statement in support of his female colleagues.

In an interview with Variety earlier this month Gosling said he was yet to be approached about a potential performance at the upcoming ceremony - but said he was 'open' to the opportunity.

'I still have not been asked,' he said. 'It might be too much of a risk to have me do it. I don't know how that would work. But I'm open to it.'

Music producer Mark Ronson, who wrote the popular song, admitted that seeing Gosling perform the song live at the ceremony would be his 'dream' but said the actor had not confirmed whether it was happening, during a red carpet interview with the magazine at the Grammys. 

Gosling is up for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Ken in the summer blockbuster, while the film's female lead Margot Robbie and director Greta Gerwig were snubbed 

Gosling revealed he ended up dying his hair for the role after he was given a wig which he felt didn't fully capture his character

Gosling issued a statement expressing his disappointment after his female colleagues, director Greta Gerwig (pictured) and film lead Margot Robbie were snubbed

Gosling weighed in on Barbie's shock Oscars snub amid the backlash in January, in a statement expressing his fury that his female colleagues had been overlooked, but he stopped short of giving up his own Oscar nomination in protest.

'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,' he wrote. 

'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.

'Their work should be recognized along with the other very deserving nominees.'

The statement itself drew further criticism after fans said taking action against the prestigious institution would be a true show of solidarity. 

Speaking with Variety, Gosling admitted he 'heavily' revised the statement.

'Look, I heavily edited that statement,' Ryan told the outlet. 'I think if I say any more about it, I'm going to basically put on a mink and start challenging people to a beach-off on Malibu Beach.

'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,' he declared

He said the film has continued to spark dialogue from audience members: 'In terms of people's reactions, the film continues to provoke conversation in every incarnation,' he said. 'It keeps provoking this dialogue. It's the power of this movie. I struggle to compare it to anything.'

'But it's yet another reason that proves it's more than a summer blockbuster. It's a great work of art. That's what Greta and Margot created,' he added.

Gosling called Ken the most challenging role he had yet to play and, to his surprise, compared it to his part in the 2010 drama Blue Valentine, which chronicled an ill-fated couple's relationship.

'It's the hardest role I've ever had to play,' Ryan said. 'It was like a high-wire act—in tiny shorts and no shirt—with no net.

'I wanted to make sure if I was going to do it—I was like, 'I can't mess this up. I can't be the guy that messed up the Barbie movie. So if I'm going to do it, I have to do more than I know that I'm even capable of.'