Robert Downey Jr. Jokingly Teases Gwyneth Paltrow at THR Women in Entertainment Gala: “Perpetually Perplexed by the Fundamental Principles” of the MCU

Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. shared a lighthearted and touching moment on Wednesday during The Hollywood Reporters 2025 Women in Entertainment breakfast gala at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Before Paltrow accepted the 20th annual Sherry Lansing Leadership Award, Downey Jr. delivered a playful and affectionate speech about his former co-star, who played Pepper Potts alongside his Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Downey Jr. humorously remarked on Paltrows impossibly intelligent yet perpetually confused grasp of Marvels storylines, referencing moments when she forgot key plot details or even the movies she had appeared in. Whos that? he recalled her asking, jokingly adding, Thats Spider-Man. His characters name is Peter. Hes Tom Holland. Youve done four films with him.

During his address, Downey Jr. highlighted Paltrows extensive career, starting with her Oscar-winning breakout in 1998s Shakespeare in Love and continuing through numerous projects, including her upcoming film, Marty Supreme. He praised her dedication, noting how she managed to develop her lifestyle brand Goop, raise children, and maintain her acting career simultaneously.

He also touched on Paltrows public life, mentioning her split from Chris Martin, which introduced the idea of conscious uncoupling, and her more recent projects, including supporting emerging talent and new film endeavors. Downey Jr. reflected on her polarizing public persona, calling it a label often misapplied to influential women with decades of proven relevance.

Downey Jr. concluded his remarks with enthusiastic admiration for Paltrow, applauding her resilience, leadership, and integrity in both personal and professional arenas. He capped his speech with a spirited declaration: Its time to recognize Gwyneth fuggin Paltrow.

The breakfast event was hosted by Rachel Sennott, with appearances by Dakota Johnson, Sarah Paulson, Goldie Hawn, Regina Hall, Chase Infiniti, Jimmy Kimmel, and Molly McNearney. Jennifer Lopez received the Equity in Entertainment Award, presented by Kerry Washington. The gala was presented by Lifetime and sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Medicube, Reyka Vodka, and Seven Bucks Productions, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, the Entertainment Industry Foundation, Gersh, Chapman University, and Loyola Marymount University.

Author: Caleb Jennings