The 36-year-old actor says Reynolds' work on 'Singin' in the Rain' was an inspiration on the set of 'La La Land.'
Ryan Gosling is paying tribute to Debbie Reynolds.
The 36-year-old actor took a moment to thank the Hollywood legend for her work on Singin' in the Rain while accepting the Vanguard Award for La La Land with director Damien Chazelle at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Monday, crediting Reynolds' classic musical for inspiring his work on the Oscar contender.
WATCH: Celebrities React to Debbie Reynolds' Death
"I wish I could've said this in person, but I'd like to thank Debbie Reynolds for her wonderful career of work. She was an inspiration to us every day," Gosling said in his acceptance speech. "We watched Singin' in the Rain every day for inspiration, and she was a truly unparalleled talent. So I thank her for all of that inspiration."
ET caught up with Gosling on the red carpet at the festival, where he opened up about being recognized for his work in La La Land.
"Honestly, it was a reward enough just to get to make this film. To get to make a film like this, with [director] Damien [Chazelle] at the helm, it was just an incredible experience, so to be awarded on top of that was unexpected and really appreciated," he confessed, adding that his co-star, Emma Stone, was unfortunately sick and couldn't make the night's festivities.
And though awards season will be over in a few months, Gosling said he'll keep the skills he learned on the film -- like playing the piano -- with him for a bit longer. " I am [still playing the piano]!" he shared. "Unfortunately it's still just the pieces from this film, but they're that good that I don't care. I'm not sick of them yet."
Reynolds died of a suspected stroke on Wednesday at age 84, just one day after the death of her daughter, Star Wars actress Carrie Fisher, at 60.
A source close to the family told ET on Monday that a family memorial for both actresses is planned for Thursday, Jan. 5, while Fisher's brother and Reynolds' son, Todd Fisher, revealed on Friday that he was planning a joint funeral.
"She just left to be with Carrie," Todd shared during an interview on 20/20, adding that from his point of view, his mother's death was "destiny" because she "didn't want to leave Carrie and did not want her to be alone."
While Gosling honored Reynolds in his acceptance speech on Monday, countless other stars have taken to social media to remember the beloved actress.
See more in the video below.