Oscar-winning actress and lifestyle entrepreneur Gwyneth Paltrow found herself the subject of good-natured ribbing from her longtime Marvel co-star, Robert Downey Jr., during a prestigious Hollywood ceremony this week.
A Playful Roast at a Prestigious Gala
Gwyneth Paltrow was honoured with the 20th annual Sherry Lansing Leadership Award at The Hollywood Reporter's Women in Entertainment breakfast gala. The event, held on Thursday, 4 December 2025, saw Downey Jr. take to the stage to present the award, where he couldn't resist highlighting Paltrow's amusing lack of familiarity with the sprawling Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in which they both starred.
In his speech, Downey Jr. recounted a particularly telling anecdote. He revealed that Paltrow failed to recognise fellow actor Tom Holland, who plays Spider-Man, despite having worked on multiple Marvel films alongside him. This humorous revelation underscored his gentle teasing of Paltrow for being, as he joked, "forever confused" about the comic book franchise that helped define a generation of blockbuster cinema.
Praise Amidst the Humour
Beyond the playful jabs, Downey Jr.'s tribute was overwhelmingly positive. He lavished praise on Paltrow's formidable work ethic and her remarkable success in building her wellness brand, Goop, into a global empire. He also commended her recent return to acting in the Netflix series "Marty Supreme".
Significantly, Downey Jr. also addressed Paltrow's conduct during her high-profile ski accident trial in 2023. He highlighted her "moral strength" and resilience throughout the challenging legal proceedings, framing it as an example of her character.
An Emotional Culmination
Following Downey Jr.'s speech, which masterfully blended humour with heartfelt admiration, Gwyneth Paltrow took the stage to deliver an emotional acceptance speech. The award recognises her leadership and impact both within the entertainment industry and through her entrepreneurial ventures.
The gala, a key date in the Hollywood calendar, celebrates the most influential women in the business. Paltrow's recognition, presented by one of her most famous collaborators, marks a significant moment in her multifaceted career, which spans acclaimed acting roles, business leadership, and now, a legendary award for her contributions to the industry.
