During an intimate dinner celebrating the launch of her Chopard x Julia Roberts collection at the Château Marmont in Los Angeles, Julia Roberts shared exclusive insights with PEOPLE about her favorite Oscar-nominated films. The acclaimed actress, 56, couldn’t help but praise Ryan Gosling’s portrayal of Ken in the Greta Gerwig-directed film “Barbie,” in which he is set to perform “I’m Just Ken” during the Academy Awards on Sunday.
Reflecting on Gosling’s performance, Roberts expressed admiration for the depth and complexity he brought to the role. “I met Ryan recently, a few times, and when you bring such dimension to a performance, it’s remarkable,” she remarked, emphasizing the uniqueness and novelty of “Barbie” as a cinematic experience.
As a recipient of the prestigious Best Actress Oscar in 2001 for her role in “Erin Brokovich,” Roberts understands the whirlwind of emotions that nominees go through during awards season. “The craziness, the getting ready,” she remarked, likening the experience to a sporting event where one must embrace every moment.
However, Roberts also acknowledged the challenges of navigating the digital landscape, particularly in light of resurfaced social media commentary. Reflecting on a six-year-old interview where she discussed hurtful comments about her appearance on Instagram, Roberts highlighted the enduring impact of online negativity. “I’m a 50-year-old woman and I know who I am, and still my feelings got hurt,” she shared, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding in online interactions.
Despite the hurdles, Roberts remains steadfast in her commitment to promoting positivity and empowerment, particularly on International Women’s Day. As she toasted the women in the room, she urged men to uplift and support women in their endeavors, reinforcing the importance of solidarity and allyship in the pursuit of gender equality.
In a world where authenticity and resilience are paramount, Julia Roberts stands as a beacon of strength and grace, inspiring others to embrace their true selves and champion causes close to their hearts.