LOS ANGELES, March 10 (Reuters) – Robert Downey Jr. took home the Academy Award for best supporting actor for his portrayal in “Oppenheimer” as a villainous bureaucrat intent on destroying the renowned physicist.
In the film, Downey portrays Lewis Strauss, the former chairman of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, who launches a covert campaign to revoke J. Robert Oppenheimer’s security clearance by labeling him as a communist. Strauss’s machinations are later exposed during a congressional hearing as he vies for confirmation to become President Dwight Eisenhower’s commerce secretary.
Critics lauded Downey for stepping outside his usual roles. Despite his previous performances as junkies, hustlers, and fast-talkers, Downey is most recognized for his numerous appearances as Marvel superhero Iron Man.
Prior to the Oscars, Downey had already garnered acclaim by winning Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for his role in the film.
This marks Downey’s first Academy Award win, although he received his initial nomination for his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in 1992’s “Chaplin.” Following personal struggles with scandal and addiction, he was nominated again for best supporting actor in the war comedy “Tropic Thunder.”
(Reporting by Dawn Chmielewski; Editing by Jonathan Oatis; [email protected])
