Robert Downey Jr.'s Speech at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards

The Awards Speech

Robert Downey Jr. won big at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, but he pointed out that film critics haven’t always been on his side.

Robert Downey Jr Says Acting Was Compared to Bed Locked Fart While Accepting Critics Choice Award

Downey Jr., 58, accepted the award for Best Supporting Actor on Sunday, January 14, for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. After giving a shout-out to his fellow nominees, he shared some of the Critics Choice Association’s less flattering reviews of his work over the years.

Robert Downey Jr Says Acting Was Compared to Bed Locked Fart While Accepting Critics Choice Award

'I was thinking this morning: I love critics,' he began. 'They’ve given me such beautiful feedback, really just so many great moments, and some of it is so poetic, I just want to share some of their thoughts with you over the years.'

As the cameras panned to the audience during his speech, Bradley Cooper, Sandra Oh and more A-list stars were shown applauding and laughing. Even Robert De Niro looked amused as Downey Jr. continued.

'The first one is kind of like haiku: ‘Sloppy, messy, and lazy.’ The next one is more metaphoric: ‘Like Pee-wee Herman emerging from a coma,’' the Iron Man star read off a card in his hand. 'This was from a Brit: ‘A puzzling waste of talent.’ And lastly, and this one lingered: ‘Amusing as a bed-locked fart.’'

Downey Jr. was nominated alongside De Niro, 80, Ryan Gosling, Charles Melton, Mark Ruffalo and Sterling K. Brown, who was also shown laughing along.

Downey Jr. took a somewhat more serious tone to his speech when thanking his 'Oppenhomies,' whom he worked with on Oppenheimer.

'Every day of filming was like having my ego’s ass handed to me at the door and it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy,' he added, thanking the 'holy trinity' of director Christopher Nolan, costar Cillian Murphy and producer Emma Thomas. He also offered a shout-out to cast members Emily Blunt and Alden Ehrenreich.

Downey Jr. concluded his speech by calling out the sources of his '24-hour running commentary' — otherwise known as his wife, Susan Downey, and his publicist. 'I hope they think I did better this time. I’ll hear about it in a f—king second,' he concluded, seemingly referring to his recent Golden Globes speech.

Downey Jr. took home another trophy for his Oppenheimer role at the Globes earlier this month.

'I took a beta blocker, so this is going to be a breeze,' he joked at the time, reading from a paper that he pulled out of his pocket. Along with thanking his wife and fellow castmates at the time, Downey Jr. referred to the award as a 'most improved player thing,' seemingly joking about his ups and downs in Hollywood over the years.

While his career has had a recent resurgence, the actor struggled with addiction in his early Hollywood days. He has been drug-free since 2003.

'Job one is get out of that cave. A lot of people do get out but don’t change,' he said, in part, during an interview with Vanity Fair from September 2014. 'So the thing is to get out and recognize the significance of that aggressive denial of your fate, come through the crucible forged into a stronger metal. Or whatever.'

Humorous Reflections

In a humorous and humble moment at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, Robert Downey Jr. shared some of the less flattering reviews he has received from film critics over the years. With wit and charm, he read out some of the critics' comments, eliciting laughter and applause from the audience, including A-list stars like Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro.

The actor, known for his role as Iron Man, lightened the mood by poking fun at the critiques, such as describing one review as 'kind of like haiku: ‘Sloppy, messy, and lazy.’ The next one is more metaphoric: ‘Like Pee-wee Herman emerging from a coma,' and even a Brit’s review that labeled his performance as 'A puzzling waste of talent.' His delivery added a touch of self-deprecation and humor to the evening's proceedings.

Despite the lightheartedness, Downey Jr. also took the opportunity to express gratitude and recognition for the people he worked with on Oppenheimer, acknowledging the challenges he faced and the support he received from his colleagues. This balance of humor and humility showcased the actor's multifaceted personality and his ability to navigate both lighthearted and serious moments.

Personal Journey and Success

Beyond the glitz and glamour of award ceremonies, Robert Downey Jr.'s personal journey and success in overcoming adversity have been a testament to his resilience and determination. With a career marked by both triumphs and challenges, the actor has emerged as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry.

His candid acknowledgement of past struggles with addiction and his commitment to sobriety since 2003 have been an inspiring example of personal growth and transformation. Downey Jr.'s willingness to confront his demons and emerge stronger has resonated with fans and peers alike, earning him admiration for his honesty and courage.

'Job one is get out of that cave. A lot of people do get out but don’t change,' expressed Downey Jr. in an interview with Vanity Fair. This introspective statement reflects the actor's profound understanding of his own journey and the significance of personal evolution. His resilience and determination serve as a source of inspiration for many, transcending his on-screen achievements.