Why Robert Downey Jr. and Ke Huy Quan's 2024 Oscars Moment Is Leaving Fans Divided

Every eye was on Robert Downey Jr. all at once during the Oscars 2024.

The Oppenheimer star won his first-ever Academy Award on March 10, beating out Barbie's Ryan Gosling, Poor Things' Mark Ruffalo, Killers of the Flower Moon's Robert De Niro and American Fiction's Sterling K. Brown for the Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role prize. (Click here to see the full list of winners.)

However, some viewers were not impressed with the way he accepted his Oscar from last year's Best Supporting Actor winner Ke Huy Quan. In video circulating on social media, Downey Jr. did not appear to make eye contact with Quan during their onstage encounter, briskly taking the award from the Everything Everywhere All at Once star before shaking presenter Tim Robbins' hand.

Downey Jr. also seemingly didn't notice Quan attempting to give him the winner's envelope, instead sharing a fist-bump with presenter Sam Rockwell before turning around to address the audience inside the Dolby Theatre. 

The interaction was perceived as a snub by several social media users, with one writing on X, "Robert Downey Jr. could have been a little more responsive to Ke Huy Quan when accepting his first Oscar."

A second Oscar spectator accused Downey Jr. of being "rude," while a third critic said the exchange "showed a real lack of class."

But some RDJ fans are saying that the criticism has been "blown way out of proportion." As one noted, "Getting on that stage knowing you have 45 seconds to talk has to be intense ... There were four other guys on that stage, and some were his close friends."

Although the Iron Man actor's run-in with Quan was brief during the Oscars telecast, the two were actually in great spirits backstage.

In fact, Downey Jr. was photographed shaking hands with the Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom alum, before the two hopped into a group selfie with Quan's fellow co-presenters. And after posing for photos in the press room, Downey Jr. was seen giving Quan a friendly hug.

Downey Jr.'s Oscar win capped off a sweeping award season, during which he also received a Golden Globe and a SAG Award earlier this year for his portrayal of former United States Atomic Energy Commission chair Lewis Strauss.

Oppenheimer also won big during the Oscars, taking home seven awards including Best Picture, Best Directing for Christopher Nolan and Best Actor in a Leading Role for Cillian Murphy.

E! News has reached out to reps for Downey Jr. and Quan for comment but hasn't heard back.

For candid Oscars moments you may have missed, keep reading:

From the set of Fargo to the red carpet, this couple proves the power of love.

These Barbie stars brought the Kenergy.

These winners for Best Supporting Actor know how to support each other.

The Oppenheimer editor couldn’t edit her glowing smile after that win even if she tried.

This group of Best Actor in a Leading Role winners are sticking together.

It seems like meeting Vanessa Hudgens was what Liza Koshy has been looking for.

2024 Best Actress winner Emma is feeling the love after she was presented the award by a group of past winners.

It proved to be a big night for the Oppenheimer producers and IRL couple, who shared a sweet moment backstage after their Best Picture win.

It’s worth venturing out of Barbie Land for this selfie.

John Cena proves he’s not afraid to commit to the bit while waiting to take the stage in his much-talked-about look. 

A worthy date night.

The Best Supporting Actress nominee is all smiles during film’s biggest night.

The couple was a perfect match in custom FENDI.

Dwayne Johnson certainly knows how to rock a selfie.

Zendaya proves she’s that girl—again.

The trio of Best Actress nominees were feeling the love.

Finneas, Billie and Ariana were made for this iconic group pic.

Paul Giamatti is all ears.

The costars from the upcoming Mad Max prequel Furiosa shared a sweet moment. 

The visual effects team for Godzilla Minus One delivered an award-worthy roar after their win.

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