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)
View more celebrity photos of Robert Downey Jr. at PictureLux Imagesearch
