8 Major Awards Robert Downey Jr. Has Yet to Claim as Iron Man

Robert Downey Jr. made a triumphant return to the Marvel universe in Avengers: Doomsday, following his acclaimed performance as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer. The 2024 awards season saw him sweep the Supporting Actor category, finally earning his first Oscar. Over the years, Downey Jr. has been recognized with 70 wins from 162 nominations, reflecting his wide-ranging impact on both film and television.

Long before his Marvel days, Downey Jr. was already a fixture on the awards circuit. His portrayal of Charlie Chaplin in 1992 earned him multiple nominations, and his work on the TV series Ally McBeal brought further critical attention. Despite his success, there are still a handful of prestigious awards that have slipped through his fingers.

Eight Prestigious Honors Still Missing from Downey Jr.'s Trophy Case

Throughout his career, Downey Jr. has been nominated for several major awards that he has yet to win. These include:

• Primetime Emmy Awards: Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for Ally McBeal (2001) and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for The Sympathizer (2024).
• AACTA International Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer (2023).
• Astra Awards: Nominated for Best Cast Ensemble and Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer (2023).
• Empire Awards: Nominated for Best Actor for Iron Man (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009), and The Avengers (2012).
• Gotham Awards: Nominated for Best Ensemble Cast for Good Night, and Good Luck (2005).
• National Movie Awards: Nominated for Best Male Performance for Iron Man (2008).
• Prism Awards: Nominated for Performance in a Feature Film for The Soloist (2009).
• TV Guide Awards: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Ally McBeal (2001).

Oscar, BAFTA, and Critics' Choice: Wins and Nominations

Downey Jr.'s journey at the Academy Awards began with a Best Actor nomination for Chaplin (1992) and a Best Supporting Actor nod for Tropic Thunder ( 2008). He finally took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in Oppenheimer (2023).

At the BAFTAs, he was nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Tropic Thunder (2008), and won Best Actor in a Leading Role for Chaplin (1992) and Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer (2023).

His Critics' Choice accolades include nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Tropic Thunder), Best Actor in an Action Movie (The Avengers, Iron Man 3), and Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries (The Sympathizer). He won Best Acting Ensemble and Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer (2023).

Golden Globes, SAG, and Other Major Recognitions

Downey Jr. has been a frequent presence at the Golden Globes, with nominations and wins across categories. He won for Best Supporting Actor in a TV Series (Ally McBeal), Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy (Sherlock Holmes), and Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer. He also received a Special Achievement Award for Ensemble in Short Cuts (1993).

At the SAG Awards, he won Outstanding Male Actor in a Comedy Series for Ally McBeal and Outstanding Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Oppenheimer, as well as Outstanding Cast in a Motion Picture for Oppenheimer. He was also nominated for his work in Good Night, and Good Luck and Tropic Thunder.

Downey Jr. has also been recognized at the People’s Choice Awards, winning six times for roles in The Avengers, Iron Man 3, The Judge, and Captain America: Civil War. His Saturn Awards tally includes wins for Heart and Souls, Iron Man, Iron Man 3, and Avengers: Endgame, with additional nominations for Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Sherlock Holmes, Iron Man 2, and Oppenheimer.

Teen Choice Awards and Future Prospects

With 18 Teen Choice Award nominations, Downey Jr. has taken home three wins for his performances in Iron Man 3, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame. His continued involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including upcoming appearances in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars, suggests that more accolades may be on the horizon.

Despite the impressive collection of trophies, a few major awards remain just out of reach for Downey Jr. Fans continue to watch eagerly as he adds new chapters to his storied career.