Ana De Armas is currently basking in the glow of her first Oscar nomination for Blonde, and that too in the leading lady category. But she had to work her way up to gain the recognition she boasts of today. One of the biggest stepping stones in her career was the role of Joi in Blade Runner 2049. However, the audition process wasn’t the easiest one. Not only was she nervous, but she also had to face Ryan Gosling for the chemistry test. That went about as well as one could have hoped for.
Ana De Armas Was Terrified Of Ryan Gosling
Ana De Armas has starred in several movies with high-profile actors. Names like Chris Evans (Knives Out) and Daniel Craig (No Time To Die) among others, decorate her co-stars’ list. But she was particularly terrified of auditioning with Gosling for Blade Runner 2049. In an interview with American Airlines’ now defunct in-flight magazine, American Way, the actress said that she was nervous and shaking just thinking of meeting The Gray Man actor. She said:
“Oh, hell yes I was nervous. I auditioned three times for [the role of] Joi, and the third time, I knew he [Ryan Gosling] would be there. I was shaking so badly. They put you in a room together and make you read things, to see how your chemistry is. I wish I had the tape of that meeting. I’ve been very lucky — because these men [her co-stars] are all very handsome — but the best part of it is who they are as people. I’ve had the best partners.
Fortunately, Blade Runner 2049 wasn’t the only film they starred in together. The duo, later on, went on to film The Gray Man as well. Apart from Armas, Gosling has also been praised by Alfre Woodard, who co-starred with the duo in the Russo Brothers-directed Netflix film. In an interview with ET, she said that Gosling always looks out for women. As per Woodard:
“I mean, he is a person that looks out for women. He gets women and every time she [de Armas] asked, said, suggested something, and then it kind of went around the whole set … you know, everybody has an opinion, [but Ryan] always said, ‘I’m with Ana on this.'”
Right now, there are no other projects where Gosling and Armas are scheduled to appear together. However, the Blonde actress has a big event coming up- the 2023 Oscars ceremony. However, just as much as the film has been praised, it has been loathed as well.
Ana De Armas Speaks Out About Blonde Criticism
Blonde has received a lot of criticism online for unnecessarily sexualizing the woman they are trying to empower. However, Armas doesn’t agree with the criticisms. Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, the actress said that it’s hard to accept the hateful reactions, but she says that the film wasn’t made to please everyone.
As per the Oscar-nominated actress:
“It’s hard to hear these reactions, but you can always go back to what you experienced, and why you did it, and the reasons why you were attracted to the project. That is not going to change. You have the director, and you have other actors that you can always talk to. As hard as it is to hear when people don’t like your film, it is what it is. It was not a movie that was made to please people or to make people like it. It is a hard movie to watch.”
She also explained that the film didn’t degrade Marilyn Monroe. Instead, it criticized the industry that exploited her. Now, it remains to be seen whether her performance as Monroe convinced the Academy enough to give her the coveted Oscar.
The 95th Academy Awards will be held on 12 March 2023.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
