Robert Downey Jr. Secures First Oscar Win After more than 30 years since his first nomination for Chaplin, Robert Downey Jr. has finally won his first Academy Award.
In a journey marked by numerous nominations and a career spanning decades, Robert Downey Jr. has achieved a remarkable milestone—winning his inaugural Oscar over 30 years after his initial nomination. Tonight, Downey triumphed in the Best Supporting Actor category for his compelling portrayal of Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer. His performance delved into the depths of his character, showcasing a blend of charm and turmoil, offering a haunting depiction of a man grappling with insecurities and resentment, overshadowed by greater legacies.
Downey, previously nominated for Best Actor for Chaplin in 1993 and Best Supporting Actor for Tropic Thunder in 2009, prevailed over a competitive field, including Sterling K. Brown, Ryan Gosling, Robert De Niro, and Mark Ruffalo, each delivering noteworthy performances ranging from humor to intensity.
Despite challenges such as production delays and the persistent threat of COVID-19, Hollywood had much to commemorate at the 96th Academy Awards. Reflecting on the awards season, it’s evident that 2023 was a stellar year for cinema. Front-runner Oppenheimer secured seven accolades, including Best Picture, Best Actor for Cillian Murphy, and Best Supporting Actor for Robert Downey Jr., while Poor Things claimed four awards, including Best Actress for Emma Stone.
Here’s the complete rundown of Oscar victors at the 96th Academy Awards held on Sunday, showcased in a live broadcast from Hollywood.
Best Picture
- Oppenheimer
Best Actor in a Leading Role
- Cillian Murphy, Oppenheimer
Best Actress in a Leading Role
- Emma Stone, Poor Things
Best Director
- Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer
Best Supporting Actor
- Robert Downey Jr., Oppenheimer
Best Supporting Actress
- Da’Vine Joy Randolph, The Holdovers
Best Adapted Screenplay
- American Fiction
Best Original Screenplay
- Anatomy of a Fall
Best Animated Feature Film
- The Boy and the Heron
Best Animated Short
- War is Over! Inspired by the Music of John & Yoko
Best International Feature
- The Zone of Interest, United Kingdom
Best Documentary Feature
- 20 Days in Mariupol
Best Documentary Short
- The Last Repair Shop
Best Original Score
- Oppenheimer
Best Original Song
- What Was I Made For?, Barbie
Best Sound
- The Zone of Interest
Best Production Design
- Poor Things
Best Live Action Short
- The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar
Best Cinematography
- Oppenheimer
Best Makeup and Hairstyling
- Poor Things
Best Costume Design
- Poor Things
Best Visual Effects
- Godzilla Minus One
Best Film Editing
- Oppenheimer
