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After a mix-up in announcing the wrong Robert, the Academy finally fulfilled one of its long-anticipated prophecies by bestowing the esteemed Robert Downey Jr. with his inaugural Oscar earlier this evening.
Indeed, the iconic figure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe walked away from the stage clutching his first-ever statuette, courtesy of his captivating performance in “Oppenheimer,” where he embodied the vengeful Lewis Strauss with an unmatched intensity that left an indelible mark on the silver screen last year.
So, where does this monumental win fit within Robert Downey Jr.’s illustrious collection of accolades?
Robert Downey Jr.’s triumph in “Oppenheimer” signifies his maiden victory at the Academy Awards, a momentous milestone in his esteemed career. Prior to this historic win, the versatile actor had been nominated on two occasions: once for his portrayal of Kirk Lazarus in “Tropic Thunder,” earning him a nod for Best Supporting Actor, and again for his captivating portrayal of the titular silent film icon in “Chaplin,” garnering him a nomination for Best Actor.
Downey Jr.’s portrayal of Lewis Strauss in “Oppenheimer” has also earned him acclaim beyond the Oscars, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA nomination. Moreover, this achievement places him among the esteemed company of performers with three or more Oscar nominations, a distinction he shares with his fellow Barbenheimer nominee, Ryan Gosling.
Competing against notable talents such as Sterling K. Brown for “American Fiction,” Robert De Niro for “Killers of the Flowers Moon,” and Mark Ruffalo for “Poor Things,” Downey Jr.’s victory was one of the highlights of the evening. “Oppenheimer” emerged triumphant, securing a total of seven awards, including accolades for Editing, Cinematography, Original Score, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Director (Christopher Nolan), and ultimately, Best Picture.