Robert Downey Jr. Jokes About His ‘Dwindling Credibility’ and Marvel Tenure in Supporting Actor BAFTA Acceptance Speech

Robert Downey Jr. takes home another award for his own Oppenheimer performance — and he can’t resist another chance to poke fun at his own career.

For his portrayal of Atomic Energy Commission chairman Lewis Strauss in the Christopher Nolan-directed drama, the 58-year-old actor won best supporting actor at the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday.

In his acceptance speech, he quickly — and, in true Downey Jr. fashion, sarcastically — reflected on his acting experiences, from his teenage years to Marvel stardom.

Oppenheimer Dominating the BAFTAs 2024: see the full list of winners

“When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I was working for Richard Attenborough and Anthony Hopkins,” Downey Jr. said. “When I was 35 I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter.”

“When I was 42, I made two films for Guy Ritchie and learned how to make big Hollywood films with a civilized British style,” he added, referring to 2009. Sherlock Holmes and its sequel from 2011.

Robert Downey Jr.

Kate Green/BAFTA/Getty

Then Downey Jr. mentioned his decade-long role as Tony Stark, the “genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist” resident of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which is generally considered his best-known role.

“Then I played a guy named Tony in the MCU for about 12 years,” he said, before joking that “recently this dude Chris Nolan suggested I try an understated approach as a last ditch effort to maybe revive my dwindling credibility. ”

“So I share this with my fellow nominees,” he concluded. “This has been an exceptional year.”

Downey Jr. he also paid tribute to his co-stars and loved ones — including his wife — in his speech, saying: “I owe this to Chris, Emma, ​​Cillian, the cast and crew, Universal, WME and honestly just the British influence. And I consider this at my feet alphas and omegas: Susan Downey.”

Christopher Nolan admits he was ‘afraid’ to meet Robert Downey Jr. after hearing ‘crazy’ stories about him

In his BAFTA category, Downey Jr. stood up to Robert De Niro for Killers of the Flower Moon, Jacob Elordi for Saltburn, Ryan Gosling for Barbie, Paul Mescal for All of us strangers and Dominic Sessa forThe Holdovers.

Robert Downey Jr. at the London premiere of the film ‘Oppenheimer.’.

Wiktor Szymanowicz/Anadolu Agency via Getty

Along with BAFTA, Downey Jr. also took home a Golden Globe and a Critics’ Choice Award for his Oppenheimer role in this award season. He was also nominated for a SAG Award as well as an Oscar.

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The 2024 BAFTA Awards takes place at the Royal Festival Hall in London and is broadcast on BritBox in the US on tape delay.

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Source: HIS Education