If Blake Lively was nervous at Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary special, she hid it well! That is what one body language expert says!
Despite all her drama with Justin Baldoni, the 37-year-old actress returned to the spotlight and attended the show with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, on Sunday. They posed for photos on the red carpet and chatted with other guests. Ryan even joked about the lawsuits with Justin over It Ends With Us at one point — which did not land with fans.
A source told People on Monday that the couple “had a great time,” but Blake was “nervous” to show her face again. We get why. The public has not been totally on her side since launching the legal battle. Even some celebs aren’t and didn’t even want them at the anniversary show. Every single move or word either Blake or Ryan said would be scrutinized by everyone, no matter what. No wonder why it was nerve-wracking for her to go to a huge function like SNL 50.
Related: Justin Baldoni’s Lawyer Reveals Why He Believes HIM Over Blake Lively!
Although Blake may have been a little anxious, body language expert Judi James told Page Six on Monday that she did not show it! When the Gossip Girl alum got on the red carpet with Ryan, Judi explained she showed “signs of stoicism” along with “confidence and defiance” by “placing one hand on her waist and splaying the elbow out […] and throwing her head back in the same projected mode.”
And she wasn’t alone. Ryan and Blake put on a united front on the carpet, something we’ve seen throughout this legal dispute so far. They are sticking by each other’s sides. However, the expert points out that her interactions with the Proposal actor in front of the photographers appeared rehearsed and even awkward — even when she clearly was confident:
“Initially, both seem intending to smile for the cameras, but those smiles look forced as they start to build on their faces. Ryan quickly turns to whisper in Blake’s ear though which serves a couple of positive purposes. The ‘I’ve got a secret’ pose of ear-whispering suggests closeness and even some flirting. It also works in terms of making Blake laugh and Ryan follows up the whispering with an eyebrow flash gesture, which is a popular and positive tie-sign.”
Hmm…
According to Judi, that was not the only thing Ryan and Blake practiced for the night. As we previously mentioned, the Deadpool & Wolverine star made a quick on-camera cameo during the three-hour special when Tina Fey and Amy Poehler did a Q&A segment. When asked how he was doing, Ryan poked fun at the ongoing legal battle with Justin by saying:
“Great! Why, what have you heard?”
Blake, who sat next to her husband, looked up at him in shock. Watch the skit (below):
Audience Q&A with Amy Poehler and Tina Fey! #SNL50 pic.twitter.com/XYqXMddhS9
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) February 17, 2025
She was in on the joke, right?? Judi confirmed yes, the surprise expression appeared to be all an act. Noting that Blake is “wearing a complex smile” and “her eyes are narrowed in an approving eye-smile” at the start of the skit, she explained:
“Blake’s subtle smile becomes a wider grin with some laughter but, as she hears Ryan’s last line, her head snaps round and up and her smile vanishes. They look like a well-synchronized double act for this studio appearance.”
If Blake was not nervous at SNL 50, she may be feeling it now — and a lot of regret! Her appearance with Ryan at the show, including that joke, could come back to bite them during their trial with Justin. Yikes.
Thoughts, Perezcious readers? Do you agree with the body language expert? Sound OFF in the comments!
[Image via Access Hollywood/YouTube, MEGA/WENN]
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