What Really Happened With the Ryan Reynolds Kissed Andrew Garfield Video

It was the blink-and-you-miss-it moment that eventually broke the internet. You remember the 2017 Golden Globes, right? Everyone was staring at Ryan Gosling. He’d just won Best Actor for La La Land, and he was making that long, suave walk to the stage. But if you shifted your eyes just a few inches to the left of the screen, something way more chaotic was happening.

Ryan Reynolds and Andrew Garfield were full-on making out.

No, seriously. While the "other" Ryan was preparing his thank-you speech, Deadpool and Spider-Man were locked in a passionate, hilarious embrace at their table. It wasn't just a peck. It was a moment. And honestly, it’s one of those rare pieces of award show history that feels even funnier years later. Especially now that we know the "why" behind it.

The Plan That Went Off the Rails

Awards shows are usually stiff. Everyone’s sitting there in uncomfortable tuxedos, praying they don't have food stuck in their teeth when the camera pans past. But Reynolds and Garfield? They decided to spice things up.

According to Andrew Garfield, the whole thing started as a "what if" joke. They were sitting next to each other, and the category for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy was coming up. Both Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) and Ryan Gosling (La La Land) were nominated.

Garfield leaned over and whispered a dare.

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The plan was simple: If Reynolds won, he wouldn't turn to his wife, Blake Lively, for the traditional celebratory kiss. Instead, he’d turn the other way and plant one on Andrew. It was supposed to be the ultimate "fake out."

But then the presenter read the name.

"Ryan... Gosling."

Reynolds lost. The bit was technically dead. But in that split second of "losing" disappointment, they decided to do it anyway. Because why not?

Why the Ryan Reynolds Kissed Andrew Garfield Video Still Matters

You’ve probably seen the clip on TikTok or Twitter a dozen times. It’s funny because it’s unexpected, sure. But there’s a layer of "bromance" there that people genuinely loved. In a world where actors often take themselves way too seriously, seeing two of the biggest A-listers on the planet acting like kids in the back of a classroom was refreshing.

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Basically, it humanized them.

Interestingly, Garfield later went on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and explained his "logic." He told Colbert he just wanted Ryan to know that he loved him, whether he won or lost. Then, in true Garfield fashion, he leaned over and kissed Colbert too. The man is committed to the bit. You have to respect it.

The Aftermath and That "Insensitive" Feeling

Fast forward to late 2024 and early 2025. The duo reunited for Variety’s "Actors on Actors" series. It was the first time they’d really sat down together since the "snog heard 'round the world."

While they both laughed about it, they also got surprisingly real.

• The Apology: Andrew Garfield admitted he actually felt a little bad afterward. He felt like they might have been "insensitive" by stealing Ryan Gosling’s thunder during his big win.
• The "Other" Ryan: Garfield even mentioned that he eventually apologized to Gosling.
• Reynolds' Take: Ryan, being Ryan, joked that he didn't feel too bad because he didn't like losing. He even joked about "egging" Gosling's house.

What Most People Get Wrong About the Kiss

A lot of people think this was a spontaneous, "heat of the moment" thing. It wasn't. It was a premeditated prank that survived a losing ballot.

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Also, can we talk about Blake Lively’s reaction? If you watch the wide shot, she’s right there. She isn't shocked. She isn't annoyed. She’s laughing her head off. That’s the real MVP move. Most spouses might be a little confused if their husband started making out with a Spider-Man actor during a live broadcast, but Blake knew the assignment.

Why We Are Still Talking About This in 2026

It’s about the meme-ability.

The Ryan Reynolds kissed Andrew Garfield video is a masterclass in background comedy. It’s the "Where's Waldo" of celebrity interactions. If you watch the footage, it’s actually quite far back in the frame. It wasn't a "staged" moment meant for the main camera; it was a genuine moment of two friends being ridiculous.

That’s why it feels authentic.

In an era of heavily curated PR stunts, this felt like something that would actually happen at a party when the cameras weren't rolling. Except the cameras were rolling. And millions of people were watching.

Key Takeaways from the Viral Moment

1. Losing can be winning. Reynolds didn't get the trophy, but he got the most talked-about moment of the entire night.
2. Commitment is everything. If you’re going to do a bit, do it even if the circumstances change.
3. Check the background. The best moments at award shows almost never happen at the podium. They happen at the tables in the back.

If you’re looking to find the video today, just search for "Golden Globes 2017 background kiss." You’ll see Gosling walking up, looking handsome as ever, while Reynolds and Garfield are busy creating a core memory in the lower-left corner of the screen.

Next time you’re watching a big awards broadcast, don't just watch the winner. Keep an eye on the losers. You might just catch the next viral sensation happening over a plate of cold steak and expensive champagne.