Oscars host sparks backlash with ‘insane’ joke about Robert Downey Jr’s drug addiction -Alicia Adejobi-Entertainment – Metro

Jimmy Kimmel’s opening monologue didn’t go down too well (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Jimmy Kimmel hit a bum note as he kicked off his Oscars 2024 monologue with a joke about actor Robert Downey Jr’s former drug addiction.

The Academy Awards is taking place at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, and is being shown on ITV.

Kimmel, 56, is doing the honours of hosting the awards and began by joking about the box office disaster Madame Web, Barbie director Greta Gerwig being snubbed from nominations, Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie hitting the ‘genetic lottery’ and, controversially,Downey Jr’s drug addiction issues.

‘This is the highest point of RDJ’s career… well, one of the highest… Was that too on the nose or a drug motion you made?’ he quipped.

Iron Man actor Downey Jr looked annoyed but was a good sport and played along with the joke. However, viewers weren’t impressed.

@SATYRlCON wrote on X: ‘Robert Downey Jr and Jimmy Kimmel joking about his drug addiction is insane.’

Robert Downey Jr looked annoyed but played along (Picture: ABC)

Kimmel was branded insensitive (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

@kristenchilada said: ‘Jimmy kimmel bringing up rdj’s former drug problem IS NAWT COOL!!!!!! we’re already off to quite a start.’

@cowboylikejill commented: ‘Jimmy kimmel using someone’s past drug addiction as a joke just ruined the rest of his hosting gig for me lol. yikes !’

Joining the debate, @tswiftphile tweeted: ‘Jimmy Kimmel used RDJ’s past drug addiction against him in front of everyone is so tacky and shameful.’

Downey Jr, 58, famously battled substance abuse which saw him blacklisted from Hollywood for a time. He served 12 months in jail after failing to show up for drug tests in 1999, but has been sober since 2003 and went on to revive his career as one of Marvel’s biggest stars.

Elsewhere, Da’Vine Joy Randolph has won the first Oscar of the night, being crowned best supporting actress for her role in The Holdovers.

The Academy Awards, hosted by late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, are taking placewith coverage in the UK hosted on ITV1 and ITVX.

Da’Vine delivered an emotional acceptance speech, crying as she said: ‘I didn’t think I was supposed to be doing this as a career.’

She starred alongside Paul Giamatti as a woman who lost her son in the Vietnam War.

Our best supporting actress winner, Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Picture: Reuters)

Billie Eilish delivered a stirring performance of her Barbie hit What Was I Made For? (Picture: Invision/AP)

The actress added that she was ‘grateful’ to everyone who supported her before adding: ‘Thank you for seeing me.’

‘I was the only black girl in that (acting) class when you saw me and you told me it was enough. I am so grateful to the women who have been at my side.’

On a brighter note, John Cena certainly lifted the mood when he stripped off naked on stage to present a costume design Oscar to Poor Things, which stars Emma Stone.

The actor and wrestler, 46, protected his modesty with an envelope before host Kimmel appeared to give him a piece of cloth to wrap around his body.

Billie Eilish delivered a stunning and minimal performance of her ballad What Was I Made For?, which featured on the Barbie soundtrack. She was joined by her musical partner and brother Finneas O’Connell.

Naked John Cena was the moment (Picture: Getty Images)

Further awards were given out including original screenplay for Anatomy of a Fall and best adapted screenplay for American Fiction.

It took a while for the ceremony to get going as it was delayed by around six minutes as demonstrations took place outside the theater with people chanting ‘Free Palestine.’

In a tweet, the LAPD said: ‘A Dispersal Order was issued in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Cherokee Avenue for Unlawful Assembly. Stay away from the area. Continue to monitor for updates.’

Among the films and stars expected to win big tonight are Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy for best actor and Emma Stone for best actress.

Best supporting actor nominee Ryan Gosling is set to perform his hit Barbie song I’m Just Ken, while Billie Eilish will also serenade the audience with her ballad What Was I Made For? from the blockbuster.

Earlier in the night, Disney legend Vanessa Hudgens announced her pregnancy on the red carpet, expecting her first baby with husband Cole Tucker, while YouTube star Liz Koshy took a tumble and fell over as she arrived to pose for pictures.

Ryan Gosling brought his sister Mandi along as his date for the night (Picture: Invision/AP)

Vanessa Hudgens announced her pregnancy on the red carpet (Picture: Rex Features)

Poor YouTube Liza Koshi fell on the red carpet (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Billie Eilish brought her signature cosy style to the red carpet (Picture: Getty Images)

Barbie star America Ferrera looked sensational in her Barbie pink with husband Ryan Piers Williams (Picture: Getty Images)

Oscar-nominated film The Holdovers fell at the centre of scandal just hours before the awards ceremony after it was accused of plagiarism.

Screenwriter Simon Stephenson claimed the critically acclaimed movie ‘brazenly’ stole from his screenplay Frisco, saying there was ‘overwhelming’ evidence it had been plagiarised ‘line-by-line.’

All the A-list nominees at this year’s Academy Awards will be walking away with treats even if they aren’t winners, thanks to a £180,000 party bag they’ll be gifted. They’re certainly being spoiled as they’ll be taking home such treats including a private villa stay in St Barts, a microneedling machine, a portable blender and more sweets than they’ll be able to eat.

Also included in the aptly named ‘Everyone Wins’ bag is a luxury trip to Switzerland for 10 guests, after which owners can jet away to a holistic wellness retreat where they can really unwind.

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