Los Angeles: Robert Downey Jr. clinched the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his compelling portrayal in “Oppenheimer”, where he embodies a villainous bureaucrat determined to undermine the renowned physicist.
In the film, Downey embodies Lewis Strauss, the former chairman of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, orchestrating a covert campaign to discredit J. Robert Oppenheimer by labeling him a communist. Strauss’s machinations are later unveiled during a congressional inquiry as he vies for confirmation as President Dwight Eisenhower’s commerce secretary.
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Critics lauded Downey’s performance for its departure from his typical roles. Despite his repertoire including portrayals of junkies, hustlers, and fast-talkers, Downey is predominantly recognized for his iconic portrayal of Marvel superhero Iron Man.
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Downey emerged as a frontrunner for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar after securing Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards for his co-starring role in “Oppenheimer”.
This accolade marks Downey’s second Oscar nomination, following his portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in 1992’s “Chaplin”, and a subsequent nomination for his role in the war satire “Tropic Thunder” amidst personal struggles with scandal and addiction.
