Robert Downey Jr. clinched the prestigious Oscar for best supporting actor for his standout performance in Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” This triumph crowned an illustrious awards season for the actor, as his Oscar victory seamlessly melded with his earlier wins for best supporting actor at the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice Awards, SAG Awards, and BAFTA Film Awards.
In his acceptance speech, Downey kicked off with a tongue-in-cheek remark, “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy – in that order,” evoking a ripple of laughter. Adding to the humor, he quipped, “I’d like to thank my veterinarian – I meant wife, Susan Downey over there. She found me a snarling rescue pet and you loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.”
Graciously acknowledging his “Oppenheimer” collaborators, Downey extended his gratitude to director Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and co-stars and fellow Oscar nominees Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt. “Here’s my little secret. I needed this job more than it needed me. Chris knew it. Emma made sure that she surrounded me with one of the great casts and crews of all time – Emily, Cillian. It was fantastic. And I stand here before you a better man because of it,” expressed Downey. “What we do is meaningful, and the stuff that we decide to make is important.”
In a heartfelt nod, Downey also thanked his longtime entertainment lawyer Tom Hanson, who spent years ensuring his insurance and bailing him out of various predicaments. The actor extended his appreciation to his stylist, publicist, and manager, wrapping up his time on stage.
Throughout the awards season, Downey captivated audiences with his charismatic acceptance speeches. At the Critics Choice Awards, he took a creative twist by reciting excerpts from less favorable reviews he had received over the years. “I was thinking this morning: I love critics,” Downey sarcastically remarked before delving into the humorous readings.
At the BAFTA Film Awards, Downey Jr. made headlines by expressing gratitude to Nolan for casting him in “Oppenheimer” and revitalizing his credibility post his prolonged stint in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man/Tony Stark. Reflecting on his diverse career journey, Downey shared, “When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole… And then recently, that dude Chris Nolan suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to perhaps resurrect my dwindling credibility. So I share this with my fellow nominees, this has been an exceptional year.”
In the fiercely contested category for best supporting actor at the Oscars, Downey Jr. stood against strong contenders like Sterling K. Brown, Robert De Niro, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ruffalo. Such was Downey’s dominance throughout the season that even Brown conceded last month to the likelihood of losing the Oscar to the “Oppenheimer” luminary.
