Ryan Gosling says his ‘very critical’ daughters Esmeralda and Amada give honest feedback on his movies

When Ryan Gosling needs an honest review, he doesn’t wait for Rotten Tomatoes. He just heads home. As the Oscar nominee gears up for the release of his sci-fi epic ‘Project Hail Mary,’ the toughest critics in his orbit are far closer than Hollywood insiders. 

During an interview with Access Hollywood, Gosling revealed that his daughters, Esmeralda, 11, and Amada, 9, whom he shares with longtime partner Eva Mendes, have screened “multiple cuts” of the film.

“My kids have seen multiple cuts,” Ryan said. “They give me multiple notes. They’re basically the only critics I care about, and they are very critical and very honest.”

For the actor, who began dating Mendes in 2011 after meeting on the set of ‘The Place Beyond the Pines,’ that feedback isn’t just adorable, it’s essential. 

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Having his daughters’ opinion is “always better,” he shared, adding that the film was, in many ways, created with them in mind. “I made this for them essentially,” he explained. “As a family, I’d like a movie like this that I’d like to see. I just feel really honored that I got to make one.”

A sweet family shout-out:

While promoting the film, Gosling recently delivered one of his most charming tributes yet to Mendes in a surprise, scripted “Final Jeopardy!” round posted to YouTube. T

The clip, styled after the long-running quiz show Jeopardy! and hosted by Ken Jennings, featured Gosling fumbling theatrically with a sports injury clue referencing Red Sox pitcher Jim Lonborg.

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One contestant correctly answered “ACL.” Gosling, meanwhile, scribbled, “What is IDK? I <3 Eva.” “I’m told by our judges we will accept that,” Jennings quipped. “An ACL tear is also known as IDK – internal derangement of the knee. Well done, Ryan. What did you wager? Everything! You’ve doubled your score to $51,200! Ryan Gosling, congratulations! What a Hail Mary from our champion Ryan Gosling!”

Gosling, 45, simply reacted with a stunned, “Wow,” hands perched atop his head as onscreen text urged viewers to “Believe in the Hail Mary.” Mendes later shared the clip on Instagram, writing, “Look Ma! I made it to @jeopardy. Believe in the Hail Mary @projecthailmary.

Inside their love story:

Mendes and Gosling, notoriously private, share a partnership that has unfolded largely out of the spotlight. Mendes stepped back from acting to focus on raising their daughters, though she frequently champions Gosling’s achievements online.

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In April 2025, she celebrated his campaign to secure an Academy Award category honoring stunt performers. “My man is the F best! Unfortunately, success is almost only measured by the box office,” she wrote. 

“So I’m extra proud of my man for turning his entire Fall Guy press tour into a campaign to get stunts recognized by the Oscars. And now after almost 100 years of stunt design not being acknowledged by the Academy, it’s officially a category!! This is a HUGE success! And an achievement that will last. Congratulations to the incredible stunt community!!”

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Their bond has long been reciprocal. During his 2017 Golden Globes acceptance speech for ‘La La Land,’ Gosling publicly thanked Mendes for holding down their home life while he filmed. “If she hadn’t taken all that on so I could have this experience, it would surely be someone else up here other than me today so, sweetheart, thank you.”

More recently, the pair sparked quiet vow-renewal speculation after being spotted Christmas shopping in Montecito in 2025, shortly after Gosling wrapped filming ‘Star Wars: Starfighter’ in London.