Robert Downey Jr. Reveals Honest Reaction to Jimmy Kimmel's 2024 Oscars Joke

Robert Downey Jr. thought the 2024 Oscars were marvelous.

In fact, the Oppenheimer star had nothing but good things to say about host Jimmy Kimmel and the jokes he made at Robert's expense at the March 20 ceremony.

"I don't care," he told Esquire in an interview published April 8. "I love Jimmy Kimmel. I think he's a national treasure."

Fans were divided on Robert's reaction to the jokes Jimmy made during his monologue, as he first noted that the award season sweep was just "one of the highest points" of Robert's "long and illustrious career," with with the actor tapping his nose in acknowledgment of the pun.

But things took a turn when Robert gave a questioning look as Jimmy quipped, "Is that an acceptance speech in your pocket or do you just have a very rectangular penis?"

Turns out, it was neither, because even though he picked up the 2024 Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer, the he kept his speech much more off the cuff, telling the audience, "I'd like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy—in that order."

The 58-year-old—who is dad to kids Exton, 12, and Avri, 9 with his wife Susan and son Indio, 30, from his previous marriage to Deborah Falconer—had an incredibly kind thank you for Susan, saying in his speech, "You loved me back to life. That's why I'm here."

For her part, Susan understands why people picked up on the savior narrative after she and Robert wed in 2005, but the way she sees it she and Robert needed each other.

"I can tell you that I would never be who I am without him in my life," she told Esquire. "His trajectory is just the easier one to chart because he's had to live his ups and downs in public."

Adding, "When we met, we were fortunate that he was in a place where he was open to do things differently than he had historically. But you know what? So was I."

For more of the best moments from the 2024 Academy Awards, keep reading.

From the set of Fargo to the red carpet, this couple proves the power of love.

These Barbie stars brought the Kenergy.

These winners for Best Supporting Actor know how to support each other.

The Oppenheimer editor couldn’t edit her glowing smile after that win even if she tried.

This group of Best Actor in a Leading Role winners are sticking together.

It seems like meeting Vanessa Hudgens was what Liza Koshy has been looking for.

2024 Best Actress winner Emma is feeling the love after she was presented the award by a group of past winners.

It proved to be a big night for the Oppenheimer producers and IRL couple, who shared a sweet moment backstage after their Best Picture win.

It’s worth venturing out of Barbie Land for this selfie.

John Cena proves he’s not afraid to commit to the bit while waiting to take the stage in his much-talked-about look. 

A worthy date night.

The Best Supporting Actress nominee is all smiles during film’s biggest night.

The couple was a perfect match in custom FENDI.

Dwayne Johnson certainly knows how to rock a selfie.

Zendaya proves she’s that girl—again.

The trio of Best Actress nominees were feeling the love.

Finneas, Billie and Ariana were made for this iconic group pic.

Paul Giamatti is all ears.

The costars from the upcoming Mad Max prequel Furiosa shared a sweet moment. 

The visual effects team for Godzilla Minus One delivered an award-worthy roar after their win.