The 96th Academy Awards were off to a rocky start thanks to host Jimmy Kimmel’s cringy monologue. As the show kicked off, Kimmel made the usual jokes such as pointing out how certain actors won the genetic lottery and making fun of how this year’s films were exceptionally lengthy.
A major lowlight was when Kimmel started discussing this year’s nominees, eventually moving on to Robert Downey Jr., who stole the show in “Oppenheimer.” During his monologue, Kimmel said that starring in “Oppenheimer” was a high point for the “Ironman” star. The host then segued into discussing how the actor has been at higher points, alluding to Robert Downey Jr.’s tragic history with addiction.
Things became especially awkward when the camera cut to Downey Jr., where he began pointing at his nose. “Was that too on the nose or is that a drug motion you made?” Kimmel asked, doubling down. Downey Jr. then motioned Kimmel to wrap it up — not having it.
Kimmel’s jokes regarding Downey Jr.’s addiction were largely uncalled for, with the host barely acknowledging how he gave a career-defining performance as the complicated Lewis Strauss.
The tension could be felt both on stage and in the audience, with Downey Jr.’s “Oppenheimer” co-star Emily Blunt playfully putting her hands on the actor’s shoulders after Kimmel’s cringy joke. The same sentiment extended at home, where viewers took to social media to call out Kimmel and his lowblow.
Twitter is not happy with Jimmy Kimmel’s Robert Downey Jr. joke
As soon as Jimmy Kimmel called out Robert Downey Jr.’s past, X viewers began to roast the host for making such a demeaning joke. “Jimmy Kimmel used RDJ’s past drug addiction against him in front of everyone is so tacky and shameful,” wrote @tswiftphile. “Someone tell Jimmy Kimmel that Robert Downey Jr drug jokes are no longer funny [not that they ever really were tbh]. RDJ looks so uncomfortable,” shared @heyitslackjove.
This isn’t the first time individuals have tried to get a reaction out of Downey Jr. by bringing up his history. While promoting “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Downey Jr. walked out of a chat with Channel 4 News after the interviewer began asking questions about the actor’s personal life, including his relationship with drugs.
The “Iron Man” actor was praised for standing up for himself and walking out of the interview. After Kimmel’s jokes, many are lauding Downey Jr. for expressing how he felt about them. “RDJ looked so uncomfortable at Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes and I don’t blame him whatsoever,” wrote @reysbeskar.