Robert Downey Jr.’s efficiency as Tony Stark — a.ok.a. Iron Man — is extremely well-loved by followers. His character launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe and is commonly credited because the crowning jewel of the sprawling franchise. The actor appeared in ten MCU movies between 2008 resulted in 2019, when his stint ended with Avengers: Endgame. Since then, Marvel followers have mourned the lack of the actor’s character and miss seeing him within the movies. Now, they’re debating whether or not or not the Oppenheimer star deserved Oscar gold for his efficiency.
It goes with out saying that the Iron Man star had some pivotal scenes within the MCU movies through the years, particularly throughout later installments, similar to Avengers: Infinity Battle and Avengers: Endgame. A current tweet from an MCU fan posed the query of whether or not the beloved actor ought to’ve acquired an Oscar nomination for any of his performances because the Armored Avenger. You’ll be able to take a look at that message for your self down beneath:
Was Robert Downey Jr’s efficiency as IRON MAN Oscar worthy? pic.twitter.com/4mVeMTmi7wJuly 31, 2023
Responses had been combined. Some argued that the actor’s work alone launched a franchise and resulted in a lesser-known comedian guide character being launched to true prominence. One tweeter claimed these particulars alone ought to’ve been worthy sufficient of the little gold man, saying:
Positively. He turned a C-Listing character within the face of Marvel.
One other fan argued that the function was truly harder than many moviegoers notice. This is because of the truth that the actor needed to steadiness Tony Stark’s appeal with the seriousness and sense of urgency wanted for the extra dramatic moments. (It is true that Robert Downey Jr. is ready to juggle each, seamlessly.) They tweeted:
Right here is the one factor folks do not say sufficient about this character and this efficiency. Tony Stark was positively one of many hardest characters to search out that pitch excellent efficiency for. Tony’s persona, mannerisms, demeanor, appeal, his distinctive flip of phrase, supply and sense of humour, to search out the proper cocktail the best way RDJ did, it would not get any higher than that. He personified Tony Stark, the identical method Margot Robbie personified Harley Quinn. Positively ought to have gained an Oscar. I do not assume folks perceive how difficult this character is to play.
Nevertheless, not everybody was on board with the belated awards endorsements for the superhero function. Whereas one commentator might acknowledge that the Marvel icon’s efficiency was robust, it simply wasn’t worthy of the large award. That fan tweeted:
Had a number of v robust scenes however not sufficient inside one movie for Oscar worthy
One other consumer appeared to point on Twitter that numerous folks advocating for an Academy Award nomination could also be too deeply entrenched within the superhero franchise. They stated:
lol, no. Ya’ll watching too many Marvel motion pictures.
It is price mentioning that different actors have been acknowledged by the Academy for his or her roles in superhero-related far. Two actors earned their Oscars for taking part in variations of the Batman villain The Joker. Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix gained their trophies for 2008’s The Darkish Knight and 2019’s Joker, respectively. Moreover, Angela Bassett was nominated on the 2023 Oscars for taking part in Ramonda in Black Panther: Wakanda Perpetually. And although it misplaced, the primary Black Panther film additionally earned a Finest Image nod, whereas Logan was nominated for its screenplay in 2018.
Whether or not or not Robert Downey Jr. was deserving of Oscar gold for Iron Man is debatable. However finally the Academy opted to not acknowledge Downey all through his Marvel run. Whereas his Iron Man work might not have been deemed Academy Award-worthy, the actor has been nominated twice for the award. He was nominated in 1992 for Finest Actor, due to his efficiency in Chaplin and acquired a Finest Supporting Actor nod in 2009 for his function within the Ben Stiller-led comedy, Tropic Thunder. He is but to take residence the statue, however he might be again within the working this 12 months resulting from his Oppenheimer efficiency, which is already producing buzz.
So whereas he might have been ignored in response to some followers, there’s nonetheless hope for him to seize one other as his profession continues. All of the whereas, followers are continuously theorizing how the Avengers actor might return to the MCU. If he does, one other Stark efficiency might seize him a nod — even when he by no means wished Oscar recognition, for the function all that a lot.
You’ll be able to see Robert Downey Jr.’s varied outings as Tony Stark by streaming varied MCU motion pictures utilizing a Disney+ subscription. Followers must also take a look at the actor’s newest Oscar buzzy efficiency in Oppenheimer, which is now enjoying solely in theaters.
