Robert Downey Jr. achieved the highest milestone of his acting career as he won his first ever Oscar award for Best Supporting Actor in 2023 hit film Oppenheimer.
Downey, who played Professor Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer received the honour at the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, with words of affirmation for wife, Susan Downey, director, Christopher Nolan, producer Emma Thomas and his costars in the film.
The Iron Man actor first took a subtle dig at himself in the acceptance speech, noting, "I'd like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order."
He jokingly continued, "I'd like to thank my veterinarian — I meant wife — Susan Downey over there. She found me, a snarling rescue pet, and loved me back to life. That's why I am here. Thank you."
Robert Downey also extended his gratitude towards the Inception director and Thomas, noting, "Here’s my little secret: I needed this job more than it needed me. Chris knew it, Emma made sure the she wrapped — surrounded me with one of the greatest cast and crews of all time," he said.
He then thanked his Oppenheimer costars, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Matt Damon, "Emily, Cillian, Matt Damon ... it was fantastic and I stand here before you a better man because of it. You know, what we do is meaningful, and the stuff that we decide to make is important."
The 58-year-old actor took the opportunity to thank his stylist, entertainment lawyer and publicist.
He concluded his speech with a huge shoutout to his three kids Avri, Exton and Indio.
