Was Ryan Gosling robbed of 'Sexiest' title?

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images file

Ryan Gosling

Tuesday night, we were busily preparing for Wednesday morning's announcement of PEOPLE magazine's annual choice for Sexiest Man Alive.

We were preparing for it to be Ryan Gosling. And judging by most of the chatter on the Interwebs today, so were a lot of other people. Except maybe Steve Martin.

No knock on Bradley Cooper -- he is a damn fine looking man who is in no danger of being kicked out of bed for eating crackers. He's also an accomplished actor. He was great in "The Hangover" and "Limitless." My personal favorite was his turn as Sack in "Wedding Crashers." And while his bilingual skills are quite impressive, it didn't melt everyone's heart, and this year that just shouldn't add up to Sexiest Man Alive.

Gosling, on the other hand, has enjoyed a breakout year. He played a troubled man falling in, then losing, love in "Blue Valentine"; the charming cad (my personal weakness) in "Crazy Stupid Love"; and he went head-to-head with perennial Sexiest Man Alive candidate George Clooney in "Ides of March." Oh, and he's, well, gorgeous.

In this share-all digital era, feelings are running high on his "slight." There is currently a petition online asking PEOPLE to admit its mistake. Buzzfeed.com is offering 63 reasons why Cooper is not the right choice. The site is also examining Sexiest's checkered past. #SexiestManAlive has been a trending topic on Twitter all day, but seriously folks, Justin Bieber -- ah, no.

But hey, it's all subjective. One person's sexy is another person's "what-the-frack!?" There are very few stars whose sex appeal alone will get this writer to the theater. Two to be exact -- last year's winner Ryan Reynolds and fellow actor Gerard Butler. Otherwise, I only go to the movies for the stories. And to laugh (hmmm, still Ryan Reynolds). And nobody has yet to match my all-time favorite cinematic hunk -- Ray Stevenson as Titus Pullo in the HBO series, "Rome."

Which begs the question -- which sexy star quickens your pulse enough to plunk down $10 at the box office? Is it Cooper? Gosling? Someone else? Share you choice in the comments below.

Related content:

TODAY's Ann Curry talks with senior writer for People magazine, Julie Jordan, who reveals the magazine's sexy man pick for 2011.

 

Discuss this post

Jump to discussion page: 1 2

OK...the teaser for this article mentioned Steve Martin. So where's the Steve Martin angle?

  • 1 vote
Reply#1 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:11 PM EST

Check out Steve Martin's twitter @SteveMartinToGo

    #1.1 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 10:05 PM EST

    Gosling has a face that has a weird aspect. Maybe it's the angles or something, but it just looks 'off' for some reason. Cooper is awesome.

    Maybe Charlie Hunnam is a better choice.

    • 1 vote
    #1.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:34 AM EST

    Sexiest Man Alive: Maynard James Keenan. (No one said they had to be an actor, did they?)

    Sexiest Woman Alive: Scarlett Johansson.

    • 1 vote
    #1.3 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:44 PM EST
    Reply

    Tom Hardy (Wuthering Heights)

    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:18 PM EST

    no one will know who he is until batman comes out

      #2.1 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:25 PM EST

      Uh, hello? Norman, Tom Hardy is already somewhat well-known for Inception.

        #2.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:19 PM EST
        Reply

        ryan gosling is ok, but he is no movie star-every movie of his bombs-stop shoving him in our faces!!

        • 6 votes
        Reply#3 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:24 PM EST

        Drive is fantastic, Ides of March is really good, Blue Valentine is pretty good - all got good reviews and did well for their budgets. He's not normally my type but I can't think of another actor right now that I'd rather see take off his shirt.

        • 6 votes
        #3.1 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:41 PM EST

        Drive is fantastic?! Seriously?! What were you smoking?! Horrible movie!!!

        • 1 vote
        #3.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 10:53 AM EST

        Cannot figure out how Ryan Gosling ever got the word 'sexy' or 'sexiest' attached to his name in the first place.

          #3.3 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 11:14 AM EST

          Yes, it was a great movie. The restraint and technique to pull off such amazing action scenes on such a low budget was great, the violence was brutal (OK, so this is a taste thing but I love me some creative gore). The fresh take on a classic story line made it interesting - what's not to like? If you expect lots of dialog and have the attention span of a gnat then I guess you might not like it but for adults, it was a great film. Plus it made me get a huge crush on Ryan.

          • 2 votes
          #3.4 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:33 PM EST
          Reply

          Well, I would go with Ryan Gosling, just from his past roles, even in "The Notebook," and "Lars and the Real Girl." I mean, who else could make us BELIEVE so much that he really LOVED Bianca, the blow-up doll, in "Lars," not to mention his very different vocal version of "L-O-V-E," that he sang in that movie!!! That takes some lovin' gutts!!!!! MMMmmmmmm, Sexy!!!!!

          • 5 votes
          Reply#4 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:29 PM EST

          I LOVED Lars and the Real Girl!!

          • 3 votes
          #4.1 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:18 PM EST
          Reply

          Clint Howard gets my vote

          • 1 vote
          Reply#5 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 6:55 PM EST

          seriously????

            #5.1 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:23 PM EST
            Reply

            I too was thinking "OK Bradley Cooper...whatever". But just hearing the mention of Gosling's name has incited a fury in me and I must speak out. haha. I haven't seen many of Gosling's recent films and that doesn't even matter. Who cares whether his movies have bombed??!!! Have you seen him on the set of his current movie??? Have you seen him period? Sorry Cooper, Gosling frankly has the sex appeal that you just don't. Eva Mendes is the luckiest woman on the planet right now and trust that she knows it. People magazine.....you FAIL!!!

            • 11 votes
            Reply#6 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:00 PM EST

            Lest we forget -- Ryan Gosling can lift Al Roker. http://bit.ly/tVDjbu

            (h/t Buzzfeed)

            • 2 votes
            Reply#7 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:03 PM EST

            Ryan Gosling doesn't do it for me, sometimes I think he looks cross-eyed lol. Bradley Cooper is hot, well educated, and deserved the title! :) He's totally the "whole package" ♥

            • 1 vote
            Reply#8 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:22 PM EST

            the real man robbed in this whole mess is Conan OBrien...sexy, sxy, funny, and sexy...love the beard back again. LOVE COCO

            • 1 vote
            Reply#9 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:42 PM EST

            What about John Stewart? He'd be a great choice.

            • 1 vote
            #9.1 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 11:07 AM EST

            BINGO! Jon Stewart of 'The Daily Show' is definitely at the top of my 'Sexiest Man Alive' list...although as much as I love the guy...he'd still take second...right behind Ryan Gosling...(but hey, Jon)...ahead of George Clooney. Meshing Ryan and Jon...wow, now that would be one irresistable man. Yummmmmy! ; )

              #9.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 3:31 PM EST
              Reply

              CLIVE OWEN!

              • 4 votes
              Reply#10 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:48 PM EST

              Oh, this particular compaison is a no brainer.....Ryan Gosling, any day of the week. Bradley Cooper who?

              • 8 votes
              Reply#11 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:49 PM EST

              I like Bradley, but I LOVE RYAN!!!  I love all Ryan's movies too!!!!

              • 5 votes
              Reply#12 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:18 PM EST

              Maybe next year for Ryan! People what were you thinking?!!!

              • 4 votes
              Reply#13 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:19 PM EST

              Clearly many of the anti-Rosling comments are from people who haven't seen his best work. I wasn't a fan until I did - and then it was like - where have you been all my life? And since I mostly prefer women, that's saying something. He's a great actor as is Bradley. Both will enjoy longevity.

              • 2 votes
              Reply#14 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:31 PM EST

              Wow, no contest! Ryan Gosling has my vote. Better actor and better looking, plus seems like a real nice guy when interviewed on Ellen, Letterman, etc.

              • 6 votes
              Reply#15 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 8:43 PM EST

              Bradley Cooper is a handsome guy for sure, but Ryan Gosling reeks of sexiness....good grief, those abs could melt a glacier....

              • 4 votes
              Reply#17 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:20 PM EST

              Yes - I think haters probably aren't abs people - sure his face isn't the handsomest ever - but dear god, does it matter with that body?

              • 1 vote
              #17.1 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:35 PM EST

              I'll post my personal choices later on, but if we're sticking to strictly Gosling vs. Cooper, I have to give my vote to Ryan Gosling. Bradley Cooper's hot and all, but sometimes he just looks too perfect. Ryan G, on the other hand, has a great body, a quirky-cute face, and he seems very funny and nice in interviews. Hmm, Ryan Reynolds has the same qualities (although Ryan R's face is a little less quirky-looking than Ryan G's-this past summer Ryan R even played a "grenade" [ugly chick in guido-speak] on Jimmy Fallon's Jersey Shore Shared Experience and still looked a hell of a lot cuter than most grenades), they have the same name, and they're both Canadian. Is it a Ryan thing, a Canadian thing, or a Canadian Ryan thing?

              • 1 vote
              #17.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:28 PM EST
              Reply

              Why does it always have to be an actor? How about Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney? Both have rock hard bods & make a ton of women swoon!

              • 1 vote
              Reply#18 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:31 PM EST

              Perhaps People magazine thought it was better to choose an American actor this time because back to back Canadian actors on the cover might not have sold as many issues, just a thought.

                Reply#19 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:35 PM EST

                Ryan Gosling ...no contest!

                • 3 votes
                Reply#20 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 9:58 PM EST
                Reply

                Definitely should have been Ryan Gosling...his looks and his personality are waaaay sexier than Bradly Cooper's...who, frankly....I don't find in the least bit sexy. People Magazine....you sooo got it wrong!

                • 4 votes
                Reply#21 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:24 PM EST

                Hello..?! Memo to People magazine 'sexiest man alive' voters....for christsakes...did you not see Ryan Gosling's performance in 'Lars and the Real Girl'??? Hands down...Ryan's talent, charm, natural handsomeness...and aw shucks, I'm just your average Joe' demeanor earns him my nod for sexiest man alive. Bradly Cooper is way too into himself and his 'hair gel' to have even been considered. Seriously?! What were you thinking...or who paid you to annoint "Bradly".

                • 1 vote
                Reply#22 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:36 PM EST

                I agree - Coop? Sure, he's cute, seems sweet, and guys like him (which People always takes into account), but SMA? Meh...

                SMA is always an actor who gets top movie billing. A perfect example -- Patrick Dempsey at his peak. Hotter than hot, (still is), but no SMA because he's primarily TV.

                This simply means that we just have to wait a while until the RIGHTFUL owner of the crown finally gets his due -- JON HAMM!!!!!

                • 3 votes
                Reply#23 - Wed Nov 16, 2011 11:47 PM EST

                Thank you! Jon Hamm or Stephen Moyer would be hard to decide, but they're both way hotter than Gosling.

                  #23.1 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 11:08 AM EST
                  Reply

                  For the love of God, this has to be the most tasteless, callous and ridiculous premise for an article I have ever seen in any publication!  Does anyone out there have any manners?   People today just don't know how to lose gracefully.  There's always next year, Gosling fans.  It is simply not necessary to start these stupid internet campaigns over issues that have so little meaning.  Has anyone stopped to consider how insensitive this is to Bradley Cooper.  Have we forgotten that celebrities are human beings.  I wish there was a way to vote articles like this into oblivion.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  Perpetuating a Gosling movement,  forcing People to apologize, it just proves that people like the author of this article have no class. 

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#24 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:20 AM EST

                  I dunno - it seemed like a good opportunity to me to contemplate some sexy man-flesh

                  • 2 votes
                  #24.1 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 1:37 PM EST

                  I'm with ya, Emily! Cheri, the people who started the Internet campaigns may be going a bit too far, but most of the Cooper dissenters and Gosling fans are simply trying to make their opinions known to a wider range of people than they normally could. Please stop belittling them.

                    #24.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:36 PM EST
                    Reply

                    For the love of God, this has to be the most tasteless, callous and ridiculous premise for an article I have ever seen in any publication!  Does anyone out there have any manners?   People today just don't know how to lose gracefully.  There's always next year, Gosling fans.  It is simply not necessary to start these stupid internet campaigns over issues that have so little meaning.  Has anyone stopped to consider how insensitive this is to Bradley Cooper.  Have we forgotten that celebrities are human beings.  I wish there was a way to vote articles like this into oblivion.  Stupid, stupid, stupid.  Perpetuating a Gosling movement,  forcing People to apologize, it just proves that people like the author of this article have no class. 

                      Reply#25 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:20 AM EST

                      How in the world did Robert Pattinson not even make the list? I know women over 60 who swoon over him! And so does this 33 yr old mother of 2!

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#26 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 12:41 AM EST

                      I will never get the whole Robert Pattinson thing. He is creepy looking. Ryan and Bradley are both HOT MEN! Rob P is a boy.

                      • 2 votes
                      #26.1 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 9:50 AM EST

                      I don't know. I like Rob, but he's not my cup of tea. I think he's perfect for Kristen, though!

                        #26.2 - Thu Nov 17, 2011 4:39 PM EST
                        Reply
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