Ryan Gosling hosted Saturday Night Live on March 7 at Studio 8H, marking his fourth time as host during the show’s 51st season. This episode coincided with the upcoming release of his new movie, Project Hail Mary, which hits theaters on March 20. Gosling, a three-time Oscar nominee with a Golden Globe win for La La Land, had a moment of confusion early in the episode, thinking he was joining the exclusive Five Timers Club due to his previous hosting appearances and cameo on a past season.
Gosling’s Accomplished Career and Previous SNL Appearances
Ryan Gosling has been recognized for his roles in Half Nelson, La La Land, and Barbie, earning Oscar nominations for each performance. His versatility extends through films like Lars and the Real Girl, Blue Valentine, Crazy, Stupid, Love, and The Ides of March. Gosling’s SNL history spans several seasons—he hosted in seasons 41, 43, and 49, and appeared as a cameo in Kristin Wiig’s hosting episode. His recent 2024 appearance featured the popular Beavis and Butt-Head skit and earned him an Emmy nomination for Best Comedy Guest Actor.
SNL’s Diverse Lineup Throughout Season 51
Within the current 51st season, Gosling was the 14th host to take the Studio 8H stage. Other hosts included Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler, Sabrina Carpenter, Miles Teller, Nikki Glaser, Glen Powell, Melissa McCarthy, Josh O’Connor, Ariana Grande, Finn Wolfhard, Teyana Taylor, Alexander Skarsgård, and Connor Storrie. Notably, musical guests ranged across genres featuring Doja Cat, Role Model, Brandi Carlile, Sombr, Olivia Dean, Lily Allen, Cher, A$AP Rocky, Geese, Cardi B, and Mumford & Sons. Saturday Night Live also recently boosted its Emmy awards tally by 11, reaching a grand total of 112.
Highlights from Ryan Gosling’s SNL Hosting Night
The episode began with a cold open portraying a tense political satire. As America launches attacks on Iran, the fictional Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, portrayed by Colin Jost, addressed the nation while doing a questionable kegstand. Hegseth humorously described the conflict as a “situationship” rather than a war, joking about quickly shifting focus to Cuba if boredom set in. Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noam, played by Ashely Padilla, appeared next to comment on her recent departure from her role, insisting she “self-deported” rather than was fired, and made a tongue-in-cheek remark about her plastic surgeon emphasizing ongoing work.
“We’re giving Iran a third-degree purple nurple,”
Pete Hegseth
“As I told my plastic surgeon: the work is never done.”
Kristi Noam
“You miss 100% of the dogs you don’t shoot.”
Kristi Noam
Unexpected Distraction: Harry Styles Crashes the Monologue
Ryan Gosling’s opening monologue was notably interrupted by a surprise appearance from Harry Styles, who sat prominently in the front row. Styles, set to host SNL the following week, was observed to distract both the cast and the cameraman repeatedly during Gosling’s thoughtful reflections about space and his new film. Gosling joked about promoting his “new movie, ‘Project Harry Styles,’” poking fun at Styles’ presence. The dynamic carried on as cast member Sarah Sherman, supposed to join Gosling in a space-themed musical bit, ended up sitting on Styles’ lap. Adding to the irony, the song Gosling was due to perform was Harry Styles’ hit “Sign of the Times.”
After a frantic effort with a last-ditch performance of “I’m just Ken,” the entire cast joined Gosling, not to support his number but to get a better view of Styles.
“I’m here to promote my new movie, ‘Project Harry Styles,’”
Ryan Gosling
Comedic Chaos at a Wedding Sketch
In another memorable sketch, Gosling played Donavan, self-described as “your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian,” who unexpectedly attends the wedding of Sarah Sherman and Mikey Day. The catch? Donavan was invited only because Day accidentally backed into his car and used the invitation as a way to avoid insurance drama. The sketch revolved around the wedding tradition where the bride and groom must kiss every time someone clinks a glass. Donavan takes this to an absurd extreme, continuously clinking his glass and pushing the couple to kiss repeatedly, much to his own amusement and the audience’s delight, with Gosling struggling to maintain composure throughout.
Ryan Gosling SNL Moments Leave a Lasting Impression
This episode reaffirmed Ryan Gosling’s comedic talent and charm, blending his status as a celebrated actor with surprising, off-the-cuff humor. The unexpected presence of Harry Styles created a lively, restless energy that defined much of the night’s tone. Gosling’s ability to navigate the distraction while delivering his performance highlighted his adaptability and wit. Fans can look forward to seeing both Gosling’s on-screen talents in Project Hail Mary and Styles’ upcoming role as SNL host, continuing the show’s tradition of blending celebrity excitement with sketch comedy.
