Robert Downey Jr accepts his Oscar for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role accolade for his work on 'Oppenheimer' at the 96th Academy Awards. Picture: Supplied
Robert Downey Jr hilariously thanked his "terrible childhood" as he picked up his first Oscar on Sunday.
The 58-year-old actor - who was previously shortlisted for his performances in 'Chaplin' and 'Tropic Thunder' - was recognised with the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role accolade for his work on 'Oppenheimer'.
In a speech that left the audience at Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre laughing, he paid tribute to his wife Susan Downey.
He said: "I'd like to thank my terrible childhood and the Academy. In that order.
"I'd like to thank my veterinarian, I mean wife, Susan Downey over there. She found me a snarling rescue pet and loved me back to life, that's why I'm here, thank you."
Robert - who was nominated alongside Sterling K Brown ('American Fiction'), Robert De Niro ('Killers of the Flower Moon'), Ryan Gosling ('Barbie') and Mark Ruffalo ('Poor Things') - went on to pay tribute to the cast and crew on the film and said they had made him a "better man".
"Here's my little secret, I needed this job more than it needed me. Chris knew it, Emma made sure she surrounded me with one of the great casts and crews of all time.
“Emily, Cillian, Matt Damon, it was fantastic and I stand here before you a better man because of it.
"What we do is meaningful and the stuff we decide to make is important."
He then thanked his publicist, agent and his stylist - who he joked he had to "in case no one else does" before referencing his previous struggles.
He said: "My entertainment lawyer Tom Hanson of 40 years, half of which he spent trying to get me insured and bailing me out of (trouble). Thanks bro."
Referencing his children, he concluded: "Avri, Exton, Indio, this one's for you."
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