Robert Downey Jr.’s Marvel Friends Honor the Actor After His Oscar Win

After his long-awaited win at the Oscars on Sunday night, Robert Downey Jr.’s Marvel friends are coming out of the woodwork to pay their respects. Downey finally won a Best Supporting Actor trophy for his performance in Oppenheimer; it was the star’s third nomination over more than 30 years, after being tipped for Chaplin (1992) and Tropic Thunder (2008).

Though the star has seemingly dissed his Marvel tenure during awards season, that hasn’t stopped his MCU comrades from offering their support. In a People profile published Tuesday, Jeremy Renner praised his Avengers co-star for his outstanding achievement.

“He's doing so well, man. He's got a ton of energy and he's got his beautiful wife with him,” the Hawkeye actor said of Downey’s spouse and producing partner, Susan Downey. “He’s having a really great time. I’m so, so proud of him.”

Jon Favreau, director of the first two Iron Man movies, also weighed in on the star’s progress since his comeback began in earnest 16 years ago. Favreau was one of the key figures who pushed for Downey to be cast as Tony Stark, ending a decade-long wilderness period in Downey’s career following multiple arrests and incarceration for drug-related offenses.

“It’s nice that the sun is shining on him, because it takes turns,” Favreau reflected. “You really get the sense that he’s putting things in perspective, and he seems to be understanding what this moment means.”

Downey humorously alluded to his past troubles and re-embrace from Hollywood when he took the stage on Sunday night. "I'd like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy, in that order,” he began, before turning slightly more serious. “I'd like to thank my veterinarian—I meant wife—Susan Downey over there. She found me, a snarling rescue pet, and loved me back to life. That's why I am here."