Jimmy Kimmel's Hilarious Banter with Robert Downey Jr. on Drug Jokes at the 2024 Oscars

Feature Jimmy Kimmel Asks Robert Downey Jr If Drug Jokes Are Too on the Nose in 2024 Oscars Monologue

Jimmy Kimmel PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

Jimmy Kimmel started the 96th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 10 by joking about nominee Robert Downey Jr.'s past struggles with drugs.

During his monologue, Kimmel congratulated Cillian Murphy's co-star Robert Downey Jr. on the success of Oppenheimer and its multiple nominations. Kimmel humorously mentioned that this was one of the highest points in Downey Jr.'s long and impressive career.

During the awards ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, Downey, 58, was seen pointing at his nose. His costar Emily Blunt, seated behind him, was seen consoling him by rubbing his back.

Host Jimmy Kimmel jokingly asked Downey if his gesture was too obvious or if it resembled a drug motion. Kimmel also praised Downey's looks and talent, mentioning his numerous awards. In a playful manner, Kimmel questioned whether Downey's gesture was part of an acceptance speech or just a unique mannerism.

Kimmell shared, "What a story, not even 20 years ago things weren’t going that great. He played the villain in a movie where Tim Allen turns into a dog, right? And if you ever decide to remake that film, I have just the guy to play Tim Allen. Messi [the dog from Anatomy of a Fall]."

While Downey seemed to take Kimmel’s jokes in stride, his struggles with addiction date back to 1996. Despite being arrested multiple times, he eventually sought help and entered treatment programs. Downey has been sober since 2003, giving credit to his wife Susan Downey for his recovery.

Jimmy Kimmel Asks Robert Downey Jr If Drug Jokes Are Too on the Nose in 2024 Oscars Monologue

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Sunday night marks Kimmel's fourth time hosting the Oscars broadcast. He has previously hosted the awards ceremony in 2017, 2018, and 2023.

In an interview with ABC earlier this month, Kimmel shared, "It's an experience that I try to remember is special. I just want to make sure for the people who are watching and the people who are there that we bring the proper amount of respect and also the proper amount of disrespect to the proceedings."

While Kimmel is experienced in creating awards show monologues, comedians have recently faced criticism for their jokes. In January, Jo Koy hosted the Golden Globes and made a controversial comment about Taylor Swift. Swift, who is 34 years old and dating football player Travis Kelce, seemed visibly upset by the joke.

When Koy's jokes didn't go over well, he pointed fingers at his writers. Kimmel, on the other hand, says he would handle the situation differently if faced with a similar scenario.

Kimmel joked to Deadline in March that he would fire people privately when he goes to their homes and do it in front of their families. He mentioned feeling bad for Koy, 52, at the Globes and believed Koy was not put in a great position. Kimmel stated that publicly blaming his writers was not the right move and that it was overwhelming for Koy.

Kimmel also expressed his belief that Koy is a funny guy and it is unfortunate that some people's first impression of him was tainted. He hoped that people would take the time to look at Koy's other work and see his true talent.

Jimmy Kimmel Asks Robert Downey Jr If Drug Jokes Are Too on the Nose in 2024 Oscars Monologue Susan Downey

Susan Downey and Robert Downey Jr. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Kimmel had a plan to try out his jokes beforehand on people he knows will understand them, such as past Oscars attendees who are familiar with the atmosphere. He mentioned to Deadline that his jokes will revolve around all the movies that are nominated.

"I have plenty of jokes about the movies, and I'm not hiding anything," Kimmel shared with the outlet. "That's basically what it comes down to. We are concentrating on creating fresh jokes that haven't already been overdone, and having a good time with the audience members, who are always changing. Hopefully, it will be well-received."

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