Ryan Reynolds Shines Amidst Turmoil: Defends Women and Celebrates ‘Wicked’ at National Board of Review Awards
In the midst of a turbulent period marked by legal disputes involving his wife, Blake Lively, and her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni, Ryan Reynolds made a notable public appearance at the 2025 National Board of Review Awards in New York City.
Dressed in a sleek suit, Reynolds took the stage to honor the film “Wicked,” which was celebrated as the best movie of 2024. He praised the film’s portrayal of two powerful female characters, Glinda and Elphaba, played by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, respectively. Reynolds highlighted the unique challenges women face, noting they are often held to different standards and expected to be perfect while constantly transforming themselves to appease others.
This appearance comes shortly after Blake Lively filed a federal lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment during the production of “It Ends With Us” and accusing him of orchestrating a smear campaign against her. Baldoni has denied these allegations and has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times, claiming the publication falsely reported the story by presenting only Lively’s perspective.
The legal battle has also drawn Reynolds into the spotlight. Baldoni alleges that Reynolds “aggressively berated” him during a meeting, accusing him of “fat shaming” Lively. Sources close to Reynolds dispute this characterization, stating that while he was “angry” and “stern,” he did not engage in berating behavior.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Reynolds appeared composed and focused during the awards ceremony, choosing to concentrate on celebrating the achievements of “Wicked” and its contributions to cinema. His remarks about the pressures faced by women in the industry may be interpreted as a subtle nod to the challenges currently confronting his family.
As the legal proceedings continue, both Lively and Reynolds have maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on their family and personal well-being. The entertainment industry and the public remain attentive to developments in this complex and high-profile situation.