Ryan Gosling missed the BAFTAs due to a ‘family matter’

Ryan Gosling missed the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) in London on Sunday (02.12.17) because of a "family matter".

The 36-year-old star – who has a two-year-old daughter called Esmeralda and a nine-month-old daughter called Amada with actress Eva Mendes – was expected to attend the annual awards bash at the Royal Albert Hall in support of his film ‘La La Land’, but he instead flew back to the US to attend to a family issue.

An official spokesperson for BAFTA said: "Ryan had a family matter to attend to, he is sorry not to be here this evening.

"He sends his appreciation and thanks for everything."

Ryan’s absence was made to feel especially unfortunate by virtue of the success of ‘La La Land’, which was the biggest winner of the night, as the comedy-drama movie won five gongs, including Best Film and Best Director for Damien Chazelle.

Ryan’s on-screen co-star Emma Stone also won the Best Actress award – but she didn’t go into any detail about the Canadian’s surprise absence.

Instead, Emma jokingly complained about having to collaborate with the Hollywood heartthrob for the third time, having previously worked with him on ‘Crazy, Stupid, Love’ and ‘Gangster Squad’.

During a conversation on the red carpet at the BAFTAs, interviewer Zoe Ball said to Emma: "This is the third time you’ve been forced into a romantic role with Ryan Gosling. I think you should perhaps complain to your union!"

To which she joked back: "Oh I have! Many times! It seems like no one’s listening!"

Meanwhile, Emma admitted she felt "a lot of pressure" to get her part in the movie perfect, but said it also helped to make it a "fun" experience.

She shared: "There was a lot of pressure with that movie but that is what makes it exciting.

"It was ambitious and challenging but that’s part of the fun of getting to do this movie."