Jimmy Kimmel Faces Mixed Reactions for Roasting Robert Downey Jr. at Oscars

Robert Downey Jr. Roasted at the Oscars: Audience Reaction Inside the Dolby Theatre

Late Night Host Draws Mixed Reactions

Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t joking when he said the show would run late as his opening monologue got mixed reactions inside the theater — especially when it came to Robert Downey Jr.

The late night host doubled (tripled?) down on roasting Downey Jr. about past drug use, which had some people in the audience audibly groaning. (To be fair, some laughed too.)

Inappropriate Target for Roasting?

The Oppenheimer star is a shoo-in to win Best Supporting Actor, so the fact he was roasted for old addiction struggles seemed “inappropriate,” a few guests were overheard saying.

Awkward Atmosphere

Let’s not forget that Kimmel and his wife, Oscars executive producer Molly McNearney, are close with Robert and Susan Downey, so it’s unlikely the comedian really crossed a line in the actor’s mind. But it was a little awkward in the room.

— Taryn Ryder reporting live from inside the Dolby Theatre