Robert Downey Jr. Slammed for Snubbing Ke Huy Quan While Accepting Oscar — Watch
Robert Downey Jr. took home his first Oscar on Sunday night… but he also took a heap of criticism for how he accepted it.
It made for an awkward moment during Sunday’s Oscars ceremony when the award for Best Supporting Actor was presented by five former winners, including last year’s champ Ke Huy Quan, who won for Everything Everywhere All at Once. Quan excitedly announced Downey as this year’s winner for his role as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer, and Quan held the Oscar statuette and the envelope with Downey’s name on it as Downey made his way to the stage.
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But when Downey reached the stage, he didn’t even make eye contact with Quan, briskly taking the Oscar from his hand without acknowledging him. Downey did shake co-presenter Tim Robbins’ hand and fist-bump with Sam Rockwell before turning to face the adoring crowd, ignoring Quan as he tried to hand him the Oscar envelope. (Watch the video above to see the full interaction.)
Downey did thank “Sam” and the “fellas” for their presentation in his speech, and he did take a selife with Quan and his fellow presenters backstage after his win. But fans were quick to point out his seeming snub on social media, comparing it to Taylor Swift’s treatment of Celine Dion at the Grammys:
whew robert downey jr. doing a taylor swift – celine dion snub on ke huy quan is kinda rude tbh 🤷🏽♂️ #oscars #oscars2024
— Grant 🇵🇭 🍉 (@gkweb3) March 11, 2024
Robert Downey Jr. could have been a little more responsive to Ke Huy Quan when accepting his first Oscar.
— Rob (@Robert19203) March 11, 2024
Robert Downey Jr. completely ignored Oscar-winner, Ke Huy Quan, who presented him with his Oscar. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/2tuwNwAcmd
— J. Gabriel (@jgabriel254) March 11, 2024
The way he took the Oscar from Ke Huy Quan without acknowledging him at all showed a real lack of class.
— Michael (@Michael95070847) March 11, 2024
Hmph. It's the lack of eye contact to Ke Huy Quan for me.
Reminds me of The Grammys.
Robert Downey Jr. #Oscars pic.twitter.com/dHrIcaVwVJ— James Harkness (@ijamesharkness) March 11, 2024
Downey’s Oscar triumph capped a busy awards season for the erstwhile Iron Man, whose Oppenheimer accolades have also included a Golden Globe, a SAG Award and a BAFTA.
Did you think Downey’s treatment of Quan was rude, or no big deal? Hit the comments below to share your thoughts.
Oscars 2024: Best & Worst Moments
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