Robert Downey Jr. was honored last night at the American Cinematheque Awards, a black tie gala in Los Angeles. He spent a good portion of his acceptance speech singing the praises of another actor who has fallen out of favor in Tinseltown.
Downey’s pals gathered to honor an “extraordinary artist currently making a significant contribution to the art of the motion picture.”
Presenting the award was Mel Gibson, who has struggled in Hollywood following a contentious relationship with Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his youngest child.
When the honoree took the podium, he pleaded with those in attendance to “forgive” Mel and hire him. “You should forgive him and let him work. He taught me many things and I will use the ‘C’ word, courage. When I couldn’t get hired he cast me.”
Downey, 46, battled substance abuse and got clean in 2003. He credits his wife Susan Downey for helping him to overcome his demons. They married in 2005 and are expecting their first child in February 2012.
The talented actor has an 18-year-old son Indio from a previous marriage.
Dare we suggest that Robert Downey Jr. was looked decidedly handsome last night. More photos with his pregnant wife Susan after the jump:
Photos: WENN