Robert Downey Jr. emerged victorious at the 2024 Oscars, overshadowing his competitors with a stellar performance in “Oppenheimer.”
After more than four decades in Hollywood, the seasoned actor clinched his first-ever Oscar, bagging the Best Supporting Actor accolade at the 96th Academy Awards ceremony held on Sunday. In his acceptance speech, Downey Jr. humorously attributed his success to his tumultuous upbringing, quipping, “I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order.”
Expressing gratitude to his wife, Susan Downey, he affectionately referred to her as his “veterinarian,” humorously acknowledging her role in nurturing him back to life. He confessed that he “needed this job more than it needed” him, emphasizing the transformative impact of his role on his personal growth.
Acknowledging his long-standing partnership with his lawyer, Tom Hansen, Downey Jr. expressed heartfelt appreciation for his unwavering support throughout his career, particularly during challenging times.
In Christopher Nolan’s epic depiction of the invention of the atomic bomb, Downey Jr. portrays Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss, a role that has garnered widespread acclaim and a slew of prestigious awards, including the Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG, BAFTA, and Critics’ Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor.
His triumph at the Oscars saw him triumph over esteemed nominees such as Sterling K. Brown, Robert De Niro, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ruffalo. The award was presented by a lineup of past winners including Ke Huy Quan, Sam Rockwell, Mahershala Ali, Tim Robbins, and Christoph Waltz.
While Downey Jr. had previously received Oscar nominations for his roles in “Chaplin” and “Tropic Thunder,” this win marks a significant milestone in his career, making him the first former “Saturday Night Live” cast member to clinch an Oscar.
The 96th Academy Awards, broadcasted on ABC, showcased the pinnacle of cinematic excellence on March 10th. For a comprehensive list of winners, refer to the official rundown of the 2024 Oscar recipients.
