Robert Downey Jr. Channells Tony Stark for BAFTA Acceptance Speech

Robert Downey Jr. has added another trophy to his collection for his role in ‘Oppenheimer’ and couldn’t resist laughing at his career along the way.

At the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards, the 58-year-old actor scooped up the award for ‘Best-Supporting Actor’ for his portrayal of Atomic Energy Commission chairman Lewis Strauss in the Christopher Nolan-directed drama.

During his acceptance speech, Downey Jr. took a light-hearted dig at his journey in the acting world, from his early days to his iconic stint in the Marvel universe. “When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenborough and Anthony Hopkins,” Downey Jr. quipped. “When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter.”

The actor also reflected on his experience working with director Guy Ritchie on films like ‘Sherlock Holmes,’ jokingly mentioning his crash course in making big Hollywood movies with a British flair.

Acknowledging his role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Downey Jr. playfully mentioned his recent shift to a more understated performance at the suggestion of Chris Nolan, the director of ‘Oppenheimer.’

Also Read: BAFTA Awards 2024: See All The Winners

In his speech, Downey Jr. thanked his fellow nominees, the cast and crew of ‘Oppenheimer,’ as well as his wife, Susan Downey, whom he described as his “alpha and omega.”

Competing against the likes of Robert De Niro and Ryan Gosling in the best supporting actor category, Downey Jr.’s win adds to his growing list of accolades for his performance in ‘Oppenheimer,’ including a Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award.