Robert Downey Jr. Lightheartedly Roasts Gwyneth Paltrow at Entertainment Gala
Robert Downey Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow shared a light-hearted and affectionate moment during The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 Women in Entertainment breakfast gala. The event took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Wednesday and was sponsored by Lifetime. Paltrow, who was featured on the cover of THR’s Women in Entertainment issue, was there to accept the 20th annual Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
Playful Banter at the Gala
Before Gwyneth Paltrow took the stage, Downey Jr. took the opportunity to roast his longtime co-star humorously. As the actress known for her role as Pepper Potts in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Paltrow often finds herself in funny situations regarding her familiarity with the franchise. Downey Jr. joked about Paltrow’s tendency to forget details. He recalled a moment when she asked about Spider-Man, despite having starred in multiple films with Tom Holland.
Praise for Paltrow’s Career
During his speech, Downey Jr. reflected on Paltrow’s impressive career, which began with her Oscar-winning role in “Shakespeare in Love” in 1998. Since then, she has featured in numerous projects, including her upcoming film, “Marty Supreme.” The actor praised her work ethic, mentioning how she juggled raising her children and building her Goop brand while filming “Iron Man.”
Conscious Uncoupling and Personal Touches
Continuing his playful critique, Downey Jr. referenced Paltrow’s high-profile split from Chris Martin. He humorously remarked on how she brought the concept of “conscious uncoupling” into public discourse, which he implied Hollywood had not fully embraced. He also touched on her recent endeavors and humorously noted her second retirement from acting in favor of helping emerging talents.
A Remarkable Persona
Downey Jr. described Paltrow’s public image as “polarizing.” He emphasized how this label is misapplied to powerful women who have shown consistent relevance and reinvention. He highlighted her resilience, particularly in dealing with legal matters associated with an incident at a ski resort, showcasing her strength and decorum in challenging circumstances.
Highlighting the Event
- Event: The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 Women in Entertainment breakfast gala
- Date: Wednesday
- Location: Beverly Hills Hotel
- Presented by: Lifetime
- Key Figures: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Lopez, Dakota Johnson, and more
- Awards: Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, Equity in Entertainment Award
- Event Partners: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Entertainment Industry Foundation, and others
As he concluded, Downey Jr. enthusiastically declared, “It’s time to recognize … Gwyneth fuggin’ Paltrow.” The gala included notable personalities like Rachel Sennott as host and featured other speakers like Goldie Hawn and Jimmy Kimmel.
