Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel jokes about Robert Downey Jr.’s past addiction issues in monologue

Jimmy Kimmel mostly played it safe as Oscars host, but he did manage to take aim at Robert Downey Jr’s chequered past.

Jimmy Kimmel stayed true to his word and didn’t roast either Taylor Swift or her Kansas City Chiefs beau Travis Kelce at the 2024 Academy Awards, but he did use his Oscars monologue to crack jokes at himself, Madame Web, Mario Lopez, and the show’s late start time (for a planned 7pm start local time).

However, while Kimmel mostly played it safe, things veered into uncomfy territory when the Oscars host turned his gaze on Best Supporting Actor nominee Robert Downey Jr.

Kimmel made multiple knocks at the Oppenheimer actor’s past struggles with drug addiction. While the famously sharp Downey played along, sparking a funny back and forth, Kimmel’s shots felt way more low than sitting on the Barbie bus stop cracking jokes that he hadn’t eaten for weeks. Robert Downey Jr. was this years Oscar monologue punching bag.

Jimmy Kimmel mocks Robert Downey Jr’s addiction past. Picture: ABC

After thanking the audience for “that partial standing ovation,” Kimmel made soft shots at Barbie and Oppenheimer and their directors Greta Gerwig and Christopher Nolan.

After joking about Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy’s Irish name, Kimmel turned his attention towards his co-star Robert Downey Jr.

“This is the highest point of Robert Downey Jr.’s long and illustrious career. Well, one of the highest points,” he said, pointedly referring to Downey’s struggles with substance abuse.

Downey responded by tapping his nose and Kimmel pounced.

Robert Downey Jr watched on with wife Susan as Kimmel roasted him onstage. Picture: ABC

“Was that too on the nose or was that a drug motion you just made?” Kimmel said.

Sensing the mood might be shifting, Kimmel said, “Well, look at him. I mean, look at this guy. He’s so talented and handsome. He’s won every award there is to win…Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a rectangular penis?”

The actor was a good sport when Kimmel brought up his past addiction. Picture: ABC

Kimmel continued: “Not even 20 years ago, things weren’t going that great for Robert. He played the villain — and correct me if I have this wrong in a movie — where Tim Allen turns into a dog, right?”

“And if you ever decide to remake that film, I have just the guy to play Tim Allen. That is, where is he, Messi?” Kimmel said, shifting the audience’s attention completely to the adorable dog actor from Anatomy of a Fall.

Kimmel ended his monologue playing homage to the Teamsters and union members who stood by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA on the front line.

This year marks the fourth time the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host has anchored the Oscars.

This article originally appeared in Decider and was reproduced with permission

Originally published as Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel jokes about Robert Downey Jr.’s past addiction issues in monologue