PictureLux - Hollywood, Celebrity and Entertainment Stock Photos | Robert Downey Jr. asks Hollywood to 'Forgive' Mel Gibson

Oct

2011

Robert Downey Jr. asks Hollywood to 'Forgive' Mel Gibson

Written by Picturelux Celebrity Photos Admin

By Joseph Martinez -

At the 25th Annual American Cinematheque tribute to Robert Downey Jr. friday night, Downey praised his friend Mel Gibson and said he should be forgiven.

Robert Downey Jr., star of "Iron Man", accepted the American Cinematheque Award in Beverly Hills on October 14, 2011 for ...making a significant contribution to the art of the moving picture" and the actor used his time on stage to ask Hollywood to forgive Mel Gibson, 55.

"Unless you are without sin and if you are, you are in the wrong f---king industry you should forgive him and let him work again," Downey said after Gibson presented him with the award before a packed ballroom at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

During the presentation ceremony, Gibson talked about being warned about hiring Downey for "Air America" in 1990 because of Downey's troubled private life. Downey has always credited Gibson for being the first person who gave him a job during some of his years battling substance abuse.

As he was accepting the award, Downey spoke about that time, recalling that Gibson had told him to "help the next guy" once he was able to. "It's reasonable to assume...he didn't imagine the next guy would be him," said Downey.

Gibson has admitted his struggle with alcoholism. Over the last few years he has been repeatedly taped making offensive, anti-Semitic remarks, including a drunken rant during a 2006 arrest in Malibu. In March, he pled no contest for one misdemeanor count of spousal battery, related to a Jan. 6, 2010 incident with his ex- wife Oksana Grigorieva.

Jennifer Aniston, Jodie Foster, Jack Black, Jared Harris, directors Jon Favreau and Guy Ritchie, Jamie Foxx and Michael Douglas were among the night's other presenters.

About Cinematheque:

Proceeds from this annual tribute fund the year-round community film programs of the American Cinematheque, the non-profit viewer-supported arts organization that preserves the historic 1922 Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard and the 1940 Aero Theatre on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica.

The American Cinematheque’s public programming celebrates the art of the moving picture in all of its forms -- from the classics, to American independents, the latest international productions, documentaries, shorts, animation, and experimental projects.

Series are highlighted by screenings of rare works, special prints and audience discussions with filmmakers.

The Cinematheque is dedicated to preserving the movie-going experience -- presenting films on the big screen, as they were meant to be seen and heard. (photos © 2011 Joe Martinez / PictureLux)

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