Curious about the Oscar winners of 2024? The 96th Academy Awards unfolded on Sunday, March 10, with luminaries like Ryan Gosling, Lily Gladstone, and Cillian Murphy gracing the prestigious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the glitzy event. Late-night stalwart Jimmy Kimmel reprised his hosting role for the fourth time since 2017.
However, Kimmel faced criticism from fans for a joke he cracked during his opening monologue about Robert Downey Jr.’s past struggles with drug addiction. In referencing the actor’s history of substance abuse, Kimmel quipped, “This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr.’s career… well, one of the highest points.”
Responding to the sarcasm, Downey Jr. tapped his nose in acknowledgement, prompting Kimmel to ask, “Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made?” The Internet noted the actor appeared “annoyed” and gestured for Kimmel to move on from the joke.
Making fun of the drug issues of Robert Downey Jr. is actually pretty lame. I’m not surprised though, because Jimmy Kimmel has always sucked.#Oscars pic.twitter.com/LwsEhKwFr6
— Craig R. Brittain (@RealBrittain) March 10, 2024
Despite the controversy, Kimmel continued with more light-hearted banter, praising Downey Jr.’s looks and talent. He humorously commented, “Look at him, he’s so handsome, so talented, he’s won every award there is to win. Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular p*nis.”
Downey Jr., who faced substance addiction and legal issues in his early career, served 12 months in prison in 1999. He has been sober since July 2003 and made a significant comeback with Marvel’s “Iron Man” in 2008, following what he described as “30 years of dependency, depravity, and despair.”
