Robert Downey Jr. Jokes About His 'Dwindling Credibility' and Marvel Tenure in Supporting Actor BAFTA Acceptance Speech

The star also referred to 'Oppenheimer' director Chris Nolan as "that dude" in his speech at London's Royal Festival Hall

Robert Downey Jr. is taking home another award for his Oppenheimer performance — and can't resist another opportunity to poke fun at his own career.

For his portrayal of Atomic Energy Commission chairman Lewis Strauss in the Christopher Nolan-directed drama, the actor, 58, won best actor in a supporting role at the 2024 EE BAFTA Film Awards on Sunday.

In his acceptance speech, he quickly — and, in true Downey Jr. fashion, sarcastically — reflected on his acting experiences, from his teenage years to his Marvel stardom.

Related: Oppenheimer Dominates at the 2024 BAFTA Awards: See the Complete List of Winners

"When I was 15, I wanted to be Peter O’Toole. When I was 25, I worked for Richard Attenborough and Anthony Hopkins,” Downey Jr. said. "When I was 35, I finally understood why Dickie thought Tony would be a better role model for me than Peter."

“When I was 42, I did two films for Guy Ritchie and learned how to make big Hollywood movies with a civil British fare," he added, referring to 2009's Sherlock Holmes and its 2011 sequel.

Then, Downey Jr. mentioned his decade-long stint as Tony Stark, the Marvel Cinematic Universe's resident "genius/billionaire/playboy/philanthropist," which is widely considered his most well-known role.

"I then played a guy named Tony in the MCU for about 12 years," he said, before joking that "recently, that dude Chris Nolan suggested I attempt an understated approach as a last-ditch effort to perhaps resurrect my dwindling credibility."

"So I share this with my fellow nominees," he finished. "This has been an exceptional year."

Downey Jr. also honored his his castmates and loved ones — including his wife — in his speech, saying, "I owe this to Chris, Emma, Cillian, the cast and crew, Universal, WME and honestly just British influence. And I place this at the feet of my alpha and omega: Susan Downey."

Related: Christopher Nolan Admits He Was 'Afraid' to Meet Robert Downey Jr. After Hearing 'Crazy' Stories About Him

In his BAFTA category, Downey Jr. was up against Robert De Niro for Killers of the Flower Moon, Jacob Elordi for Saltburn, Ryan Gosling for Barbie, Paul Mescal for All of Us Strangers and Dominic Sessa forThe Holdovers.

In addition to his BAFTA, Downey Jr. has also taken home a Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award for his Oppenheimer role this award season. He is also nominated for a SAG Award, as well as an Oscar.

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The 2024 BAFTA Awards are being held at the Royal Festival Hall in London and streaming on BritBox in the U.S. on a tape delay.

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