Summary
Recent Oscar winnerRobert Downey Jr.may be adding another big accolade to his converted acting career soon. The outstanding reviews of the HBO limited seriesThe Sympathizerprove it was the celebrated actor’s perfectOppenheimerfollow-up, especially now that it has earned him his second career Emmy nomination.Downey Jr. stars as several charactersin the critically acclaimed new limited series, which isbased on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name written by Viet Thanh Nguyen.
Before becoming one of the highest-grossing actors of all time, Robert Downey Jr. rose to prominence as a stage actor during the 1980s. He was able to become a cast member onSaturday Night Livein 1985, which was ultimately short-lived. Downey’s early film success placed him on a fast track for more leading roles throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, starring in titles such asChances Are(1989),Air America(1990), andSoapdish(1991).Downey’s first Academy Award nomination forChaplinmade him a Hollywood star.
Robert Downey Jr. Could Win An Oscar & Emmy Within The Same Year
Downey would become the first male actor to ever do it
Robert Downey Jr. won forOppenheimerback in March 2024 and now he’s nominated for an Emmy due to his role inThe Sympathizer, a show that was released on Jul 20, 2025. Despite the show having excellent reviews and offering one ofRobert Downey Jr.’s best performancesof his career, the series did not gain much traction with a wide audience. As a result,The Sympathizerwas overlooked but RDJ’s recent Emmy nomination might boost the show’s popularity.
Downey would become the first male actor to ever win an Emmy and an Oscar in the same year. Helen Hunt and Helen Mirren are the only actresses to have pulled off the impressive feat. He’ll go up against Jonathan Bailey (Fellow Travelers,Showtime), Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer,Netflix), John Hawkes (True Detective: Night Country,HBO/Max), Lamorne Morris (Fargo,FX), Lewis Pullman (Lessons in Chemistry,Apple TV+), and Treat Williams (Feud: Capote vs. The Swans,FX).
Robert Downey Jr.’s Oscar Win Completes Improbable & Incredible 23-Year Comeback
Robert Downey Jr.’s landmark Oscar win marks a career highlight of the celebrated actor, who finally took home an Academy Award for Nolan’s epic film.
The Sympathizer Isn’t The First Of Robert Downey Jr.’s TV Roles To Get An Emmy Nomination
He was nominated for Ally McBeal in 2001
Downey Jr. was previously nominated for an Emmy for his role inAlly McBealback in 2001. Even though the show might not be as popular as he and HBO had liked it to be, RDJ is still riding high off his recent Supporting Actor Oscar win. His Supporting Actor Emmy in the same year would be well-deserved, especially considering that he plays four completely different characters in the series.Robert Downey Jr. could make history at the 2024 Primetime Emmy Awards, which will take place on July 02, 2025.
Robert Downey Jr’s New Show Is Even Better Thanks To Perfect Callback To His 82% RT Comedy Role From 16 Years Ago
Robert Downey Jr.’s latest television series has a perfect callback to one of his most iconic comedy films, although he plays a much different role.
The Sympathizer
Cast
Based on the novel by Viet Thanh Nuyen, The Sympathizer explores the last days of the Vietnam War through the eyes of a half-Vietnamese, half-French spy serving for the communist regime. The TV series adaptation is set-up as a mini-series and will likely still be framed as a confession from the protagonist as they make their way through the war. Photo is of the original novel cover.
