Hollywood’s biggest night saw Robert Downey Jr. ascend the stage to claim his first Oscar for his role in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer.’
The victory marked the culmination of an awards season sweep, with Downey Jr. having already clinched the supporting actor category at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, SAG Awards, and BAFTA Film Awards.
In his acceptance speech, he delivered a mix of humor and gratitude, starting with a quip about his challenging early years.
“I’d like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy ~ in that order. 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.”
The actor’s gratitude extended to the ‘Oppenheimer’ crew, including the director Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and his co-stars 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.”
The actor’s charm and wit were on full display throughout the awards season, with memorable speeches that often included self-deprecating humor. At the Critics Choice Awards, he read aloud some less-than-flattering reviews from his past, while at the BAFTA Film Awards, he thanked Nolan for casting him and restoring his credibility.
His portrayal of Lewis Strauss in ‘Oppenheimer’ has been celebrated as a masterful performance, earning him the highest accolades in the film industry.
Watch Robert Downey Jr.’s full acceptance speech at the 2024 Oscars below.
