At the 96th Academy Awards in Los Angeles, Robert Downey Jr secured the coveted Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his exceptional performance in “Oppenheimer.” In the Christopher Nolan-directed biopic, Downey Jr portrays Lewis Strauss, the nemesis of J. Robert Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, depicting the life of the pioneering atomic-weapons scientist.
This achievement marks Downey Jr’s inaugural Oscar victory, despite previous nominations for Best Actor in 1993 for “Chaplin” and Best Supporting Actor in 2009 for “Tropic Thunder.” The seasoned actor emerged as the frontrunner for the award, having already clinched major Best Supporting Actor honors at prestigious events such as the Golden Globe, Bafta, and Screen Actors Guild awards.
Facing stiff competition in the category, which included notable contenders like Robert De Niro for “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Ryan Gosling for “Barbie,” and Mark Ruffalo for “Poor Things,” Downey Jr expressed gratitude for his win. In his acceptance speech, he humorously thanked his “terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order,” and expressed deep appreciation for his wife, Susan Downey, stating, “She found me a snarling refuge pet and loved me back to life. That’s why I’m here.”
Downey Jr shared his “little secret” during the speech, revealing, “I needed this job more than it needed me… I stand here before you a better man because of it.” The actor’s portrayal of Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer” garnered widespread acclaim, solidifying his place as a distinguished talent in the film industry.
