The 93rd annual Academy Awards ceremony was a star-studded affair, with some of the biggest names in Hollywood coming together to celebrate the best in film. While the majority of the show was filled with glitz and glamour, there were a few moments that caused some controversy. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel used part of his Oscars monologue to make wisecracks about Robert Downey Jr.’s past struggles with substance abuse.
During his monologue, Kimmel made a joke about “Oppenheimer” director Christopher Nolan’s supposed “porn addiction,” stating that he didn’t have an internet connection so it wouldn’t distract him while working on the film. This joke was followed by Kimmel offering his congratulations to Cillian Murphy, Downey Jr.’s co-star in “Oppenheimer,” and jokingly referring to it as the “highest point” of Downey Jr.’s career.
The 58-year-old actor, who was sitting in the audience, initially smiled and tapped his nose in response to the joke, while the audience laughed along. However, the host didn’t stop there and made another reference to Downey Jr.’s past struggles, stating “Well, one of the highest points,” to which the actor’s co-star Emily Blunt reached out to grab his shoulders in a show of support.
But the jokes didn’t stop there. Kimmel then made a comment about Downey Jr.’s “drug motion” gesture, insinuating that it was a reference to his past substance abuse issues. The host then followed that up with another joke about the actor’s previous role in a movie where Tim Allen turns into a dog.
According to the comedian, “Not even 20 years ago, things weren’t going that great for Robert. He played the villain and, correct me if I have this wrong, in a movie where Tim Allen turns into a dog?” The camera then panned to the dog Messi from “Anatomy of a Fall,” as Kimmel continued to make remarks about the alleged overdose scene in the film and how he believes Downey Jr. would be perfect for the role of Tim Allen if the movie were to be remade.
The jokes seemed to make Downey Jr. visibly uncomfortable, as he tapped his nose again in a gesture for Kimmel to wrap it up and mouthed “keep it going” in an attempt to stop Kimmel from making any more references to his past struggles. However, the host persisted and made another joke about the actor having a “rectangular penis.”
Despite the laughs from the audience, some viewers found the jokes to be in poor taste and insensitive, especially given Downey Jr.’s ongoing battle with substance abuse. The actor has been open about his struggles and has been sober since 2003.
Downey Jr. went on to win the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Oppenheimer,” marking his first Academy Award win and his third nomination. This was a significant moment for the actor, as it proves that he has overcome his past struggles and has established himself as a talented and respected Hollywood figure.
Shortly after his win, a video went viral on social media showing Downey Jr. appearing visibly annoyed and uncomfortable during Kimmel’s jokes. Some viewers saw this as a testament to the fact that the jokes may have been in poor taste, while others defended Kimmel, stating that it was all in good fun and that Downey Jr. simply has a different sense of humor.
Whether or not the jokes were meant to be harmless, one thing is clear – they have sparked a conversation about the line between comedy and insensitivity. While some may argue that it’s all part of the entertainment industry and that celebrities should be able to handle jokes about their personal lives, others believe that there are certain topics that should not be joked about. Regardless, it’s clear that Downey Jr. has come a long way since his struggles with substance abuse, and his Oscar win is a testament to his resilience and talent.
