At the 2024 Golden Globes, Hollywood icon Robert De Niro found himself in a moment of amusing mistaken identity when he momentarily thought his name was called as the winner in his category. The incident, which occurred during the announcement for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, added a touch of lightheartedness to the star-studded event.
As the presenter, Angela Bassett, announced the winner, De Niro’s ears perked up upon hearing his first name called. However, his surprise quickly turned to amusement when he realized that it was fellow actor Robert Downey Jr. who was actually being honored for his role in “Oppenheimer.” Both De Niro and Downey Jr. had been nominated in the same category, leading to the momentary confusion.
Downey Jr.’s win marked his third Golden Globe victory, but he playfully referred to the accolade as his “most improved player” award rather than basking in the spotlight. In his acceptance speech, he joked about taking a beta blocker to calm his nerves and expressed gratitude for the recognition.
Meanwhile, De Niro, a seasoned veteran in the industry with a Golden Globe win and multiple nominations to his name, took the mix-up in stride. Despite not clinching the award, he remained gracious and shared in the laughter with the rest of the audience.
Host Jo Koy added to the humor of the evening with a risqué joke aimed at De Niro, referencing the actor’s recent fatherhood at the age of 79. De Niro, known for his serious roles on screen, demonstrated his lighter side by laughing along with the crowd.
The playful exchange between De Niro and Downey Jr. served as a memorable moment during the Golden Globes ceremony, showcasing the camaraderie and good humor among Hollywood’s elite. Despite the competitive nature of the awards season, both actors shared mutual respect and camaraderie, making for an entertaining and enjoyable evening for all.
In the end, the mix-up highlighted the unpredictable and joyous moments that often unfold during live events, adding an extra layer of excitement to the star-studded affair. As the night continued, De Niro and Downey Jr. joined their fellow nominees and winners in celebrating the best of film and television from the past year.
