Robert Downey Jr. won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Oppenheimer, at the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. Downey Jr plays Lewis Strauss, J Robert Oppenheimer’s nemesis in the Christopher Nolan-directed biopic of the pioneering atomic weapons scientist, played by Cillian Murphy.
This is Downey’s first Oscar win after being nominated for Best Actor in 1993 for Chaplin and for Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for Tropic Thunder. Downey Jr was the favorite for the award, having already won a string of major best-supporting prizes for the role, including the Golden Globe, Bafta, and Screen Actors Guild awards.
In his acceptance speech, Downey Jr thanked his “terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order” as well as his “veterinarian … sorry … wife, Susan Downey. She found me a snarling refuge pet and loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.” He also revealed his “little secret” that “I needed this job more than it needed me … I stand here before you a better man because of it.”
Robert Downey Jr. has completed an awards season sweep with his victory at the Oscars for best-supporting actor in Oppenheimer. This win joins his previous supporting actor wins at the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice Awards, SAG Awards, and BAFTA Film Awards.
Downey Jr. expressed his gratitude to his Oppenheimer collaborators, including director Nolan, producer Emma Thomas, and his co-stars and fellow Oscar nominees Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt.
Throughout the awards season, Downey Jr. has captivated audiences with his charismatic acceptance speeches. At the Critics Choice Awards, he even read out reviews that were less than flattering, showcasing his sense of humor and self-awareness.
At the BAFTA Film Awards, Downey Jr. thanked Nolan for casting him and restoring his credibility after his long tenure in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Iron Man/Tony Stark. He reflected on his career and the opportunities he has had to work with renowned actors and directors, highlighting the impact they have had on his journey.
Robert Downey Jr. was nominated alongside Sterling K. Brown, Robert De Niro, Ryan Gosling, and Mark Ruffalo for the best supporting actor category at the Oscars. His dominating presence throughout the season made him the clear frontrunner, with even his fellow nominees acknowledging his strong chances of winning.
With this win, Robert Downey Jr. solidifies his place as a talented and versatile actor. His portrayal of Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer showcases his ability to bring complex characters to life and captivate audiences with his performance.
As Downey Jr. continues to evolve as an actor, fans and critics alike eagerly anticipate his future projects and the new heights he will reach in his career. With his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, he has again proven that he is a force to be reckoned with in the industry.