Robert Downey Jr. Expresses Gratitude to Wife Susan as His Lifeline in Heartfelt 2024 Oscars Speech

Robert Downey Jr. won the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the 2024 Oscars for his role in Oppenheimer. During his acceptance speech on Sunday, March 10, the 58-year-old actor gave most of the credit to his wife, Susan Downey.

"I want to express my gratitude to my difficult childhood and The Academy. In that specific order," Robert mentioned at the awards show.

He then expressed his gratitude towards his wife of almost two decades. "I want to thank my wife, Susan Downey," the actor shared. "She saw me as a troubled rescue pet and cared for me until I flourished again. That's why I am standing here today."

Robert also shared his excitement about being part of Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer project. "Let me tell you a little secret. I needed this opportunity more than it needed me. I am standing here today, a changed man because of it."

He continued: “What we do is meaningful, and the stuff that we decide to make is important.”

Robert Downey Jr Wins Best Actor in a Supporting Role 2024 Oscars

Robert Downey Jr. ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images

Robert then joked, “So, back to my publicist — my agent, Phillip Raskin is here and Andrew Dunlap, my den mother Joy Feeley, thank you.”

He expressed gratitude to his stylist, Erika, acknowledging her work when no one else might. He also thanked his entertainment lawyer, Tom Hanson, who had spent 40 years supporting and ensuring his success, even bailing him out at times.

In conclusion, the first-time winner gave a shout-out to his kids, specifically mentioning Avery in India, dedicating his achievement to them.

The category included Sterling K. Brown from American Fiction, Robert De Niro from Killers of the Flower Moon, Ryan Gosling from Barbie, and Mark Ruffalo from Poor Things.

At the ceremony, Brown, aged 47, received his first Academy Award nomination. On the other hand, De Niro, Gosling, aged 43, and Ruffalo, aged 56, had all been nominated for Oscars multiple times before.

Robert, Gosling, and Ruffalo have all been recognized for their exceptional performances in various award ceremonies. Robert was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chaplin in 1993 and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Tropic Thunder in 2009. Gosling received nods for Best Actor in a Leading Role for Half Nelson in 2007 and La La Land in 2017. Ruffalo has earned three nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for The Kids Are All Right in 2011, Foxcatcher in 2015, and Spotlight in 2016.

Robert Downey Jr Wins Best Actor in a Supporting Role 2024 Oscars 2

Robert De Niro, who is 80 years old, had already won two Oscars before the recent awards show. His first win was in 1975 for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in The Godfather Part II, followed by another win in 1981 for Best Actor in a Leading Role in Raging Bull. In total, De Niro has been nominated for nine Oscars throughout his career, including for his roles in Taxi Driver (1976), The Deer Hunter (1978), Awakenings (1990), Cape Fear (1991), and Silver Linings Playbook (2012). Additionally, he was also nominated for Best Picture in 2020 for producing The Irishman.

Before the Academy Awards, Robert won Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards in January, defeating De Niro, Gosling, Ruffalo, Charles Melton from May December, and Willem Dafoe from Poor Things. He also won Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role at the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards in February, beating Brown, Dafoe, De Niro, and Gosling.

During his Golden Globes acceptance speech, Robert referred to his win as a "most-improved-player thing" and gave credit to his agents for advising him to "restart [his] career." At the SAG Awards, he expressed gratitude to some of his "super talented" costars who he had learned a lot from throughout his career. He also thanked his wife Susan for her portrayal of a "sane and rational individual happily married to an actor."

Editor's P/S:

Robert Downey Jr.'s long-awaited Oscar win is a testament to his remarkable talent and the transformative power of perseverance. His heartfelt speech, in which he credited his wife and support system for their unwavering belief, highlights the importance of meaningful relationships in shaping our journeys. The journey that led to this triumph involved overcoming personal struggles and finding purpose through his art. Downey Jr.'s story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that it is never too late to turn our lives around.

The article provides insights into the competitive nature of the Oscars, where Downey Jr. faced off against seasoned actors like Robert De Niro and Mark Ruffalo. It also sheds light on the recognition Downey Jr. has received from other prestigious award ceremonies, such as the Golden Globes and SAG Awards. This broader perspective underscores the significance of his Oscar win, not just as a recognition of his individual performance but also as an acknowledgment of his exceptional career.