The most outstanding performance that Robert Downey Jr. gave in 2023 was his supportive role in Christopher Nolan’s ‘Oppenheimer’. The actor has already received ample recognition for his ole in the blockbuster movie through awards and accolades since the awards season started this year.
Robert Downey Jr. added another feather to his cap as he won the award for best actor in a supporting role for ‘Oppenheimer’ at the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards. In a witty acceptance speech at the awards ceremony, the 58-year-old actor made some humorous remarks about his journey from some teenage Hollywood aspirations to gaining Marvel superstardom.
“This Has Been An Exceptional Year”: Robert Downey Jr. Thanks His Nominees For The Award
Downey Jr. recounted his career milestones, from aspiring to emulate Peter O’Toole at 15 to the transformative roles he took on later in is career. “When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenborough and Anthony Hopkins,” Downey Jr. said. “When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter,” he added.
“When I was 42, I did two films for Guy Ritchie and learned how to make big Hollywood movies with a civil British fare,” he added, referring to 2009’s Sherlock Holmes and its 2011 sequel.
Downey Jr. further mentioned his most celebrated role – the decade-long stint as Tony Stark, the Marvel Cinematic Universe‘s resident “genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist“.
“I then played a guy named Tony in the MCU for about 12 years,” he said, before joking that “recently, that dude Chris Nolan suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to perhaps resurrect my dwindling credibility,” he said. “So I share this with my fellow nominees. This has been an exceptional year,” he concluded.
Downey Jr. also mentioned his castmates and loved ones in his speech. “I owe this to Chris, Emma, Cillian, the cast and crew, Universal, WME and honestly just British influence. And I place this at the feet of my alpha and omega: Susan Downey,” he said.
In case you missed it: “Not Going To Go Anywhere”: Robert Downey Jr. Reveals He Wanted To Play A DC Villain, But Christopher Nolan Turned Him Down
BAFTA Marks Another Award For ‘Downey Jr’s ‘Iron Man’ Actor’s Performance In ‘Oppenheimer’
Robert Downey Jr. was competing against some esteemed actors like Robert De Niro and Ryan Gosling for the award. But his portrayal of Lewis Strauss in ‘Oppenheimer’ stood out in a competitive category and bagged the award.
Other than his BAFTA win, Downey Jr. has also won a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award for his role in ‘Oppenheimer’ this award season. He also has nomination for a SAG Award and an Oscar.
The 2024 BAFTA Awards concluded on Sunday at the Royal Festival Hall in London. The event was broadcast on BritBox in the U.S., showcasing the best of British and international talent in the film industry.
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