At The Hollywood Reporter’s Women in Entertainment 2025 breakfast gala in Los Angeles on December 3, Robert Downey Jr. delivered a Robert Downey Jr. MCU speech that left the audience laughing as he presented the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award to Gwyneth Paltrow, highlighting her unique attitude toward the world-famous Marvel Cinematic Universe. The event offered insight into Paltrow’s laid-back approach to her role as Pepper Potts and her memorable on-set moments with co-stars in Hollywood’s biggest superhero franchise.
Paltrow Receives Major Honor Amid Banter from Downey Jr.
Gwyneth Paltrow was recognized during the gala for her trailblazing work in entertainment and philanthropy, as defined by the Sherry Lansing Leadership Award’s honor for
“trailblazers and philanthropists in entertainment and media.”
Presented by her long-time Marvel co-star, Downey Jr. introduced Paltrow with a roasting tone, immediately launching into anecdotes illustrating her persistent confusion about key Marvel figures. As Downey Jr. recalled, Paltrow’s famous indifference to superhero culture became an unexpected entertainment highlight for cast and fans alike.
Downey Jr. opened by describing Paltrow’s complex personality:
Maybe… she’s a bit of a dichotomy. Impossibly intelligent, but forever confused by the basic tenets of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and its inhabitants.
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
One incident Downey Jr. shared involved Paltrow being unable to identify Spider-Man actor Tom Holland, thinking his real name was “Peter.” He explained,
“‘Who’s that? He said his name was Peter.’ [Downey Jr. replied] ‘No, his character’s name is Peter. That’s Tom Holland. You did four movies with him.’”
Although technically, Paltrow and Holland appeared together in two prominent Marvel films, this exaggerated “four movies” quip underscored her famously relaxed engagement with the franchise’s intricate character web.
Diversified Career and Marvel Milestones
Downey Jr.’s speech also celebrated Paltrow’s achievements beyond the Marvel universe, referencing her return to film after a hiatus and her entrepreneurial ventures. He reminisced,
I pulled her out of her first unannounced retirement from cinema. In 2007, she was birthing and building Goop between takes on the set of Iron Man, having spent the previous decade and a half just gobbling up Oscars and Globes. Always choosing directors at these critical points in their careers—both Andersons—Paul Thomas and Wes, Minghella, Soderbergh, Fincher, while also becoming a devoted mother and wife.
— Robert Downey Jr., Actor
Paltrow’s track record includes her comeback in 2017’s “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” with a cameo in the film’s closing events involving a press conference for Peter Parker’s integration into the Avengers. She further appeared in “Avengers: Endgame,” stepping in as Pepper Potts to save Tom Holland’s Peter Parker during a defining moment in the final showdown against Thanos. Throughout these appearances, Paltrow’s effortless transition between roles and commitments outside of Marvel was clear—she famously balanced family, Oscar-winning performances, and building her lifestyle brand, Goop.
Responding With Humor and Affection
Upon accepting her award, Paltrow openly recognized the significance of her on-screen partnership with Downey Jr., expressing warmth and appreciation. She said,
Robert, I love you so much. You are the older brother that I never had and… wasn’t sure I wanted, but I guess… I’m so grateful to you for being the best partner on screen—for being always the most honest and brilliant reflection back, not just about me but about us, our families, the world.
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
This mutual admiration highlighted their off-screen friendship and strong comedic chemistry, both of which shaped their portrayals of iconic Marvel characters like Iron Man and Pepper Potts. Their affection brought to life not only the characters themselves, but also the close bonds among the Marvel cast.
Going Viral: Paltrow’s Famous MCU Confusion
Paltrow’s history of confusion about her Marvel Cinematic Universe participation is well-documented—and often embraced by fans. A particularly humorous episode occurred on Netflix’s “The Chef Show” with director Jon Favreau, where he reminded her of their joint sequence in “Spider-Man: Homecoming.” Her initial denial—“We weren’t in Spider-Man.”—was met with Favreau listing the scene itself. Eventually, recognition dawned on Paltrow, who exclaimed,
Oh, yes! […] That was Spider-Man?! Oh, my God!
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
This exchange quickly made waves online, so much so that television host Jimmy Kimmel referenced it during Paltrow’s appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2019. When pressed on the viral confusion, Paltrow explained,
I just got confused. There’s so many of these wonderful Marvel interconnecting movies. And I thought that it was an Avengers movie, but it was not.
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
When later asked if Tom Holland was upset by her forgetfulness, Paltrow admitted,
I never actually saw the movie.
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
She later laughed, joking with the audience,
I mean, wait! Cut that out! Take that back!
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
Paltrow’s Surprised at Her Own Marvel History
In a Vanity Fair retrospective, Paltrow was genuinely shocked to learn she had appeared in seven Marvel movies. When shown footage and asked to reflect, she responded,
That can’t be right. I cannot have been in seven. Is that true?
— Gwyneth Paltrow, Actress
Even after years of involvement, Marvel’s interconnected productions and frequent crossovers left her bemused, underscoring just how labyrinthine the MCU has become for even its prominent stars. When prompted about potential future roles in the franchise, her candid reaction—“What is that?”—further solidified her comedic detachment from superhero pop culture.
Looking Ahead for Marvel Stars
In addition to receiving accolades for past achievements, Gwyneth Paltrow is set to headline Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme,” slated for release on December 25, 2025. Meanwhile, Robert Downey Jr. continues his blockbuster journey, returning to the Marvel universe as Dr. Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday,” arriving in theaters December 18, 2026, and reprising the role for “Avengers: Secret Wars” in late 2027.
The playful banter and honest admissions in Robert Downey Jr.’s MCU speech captured both the camaraderie and the enduring impact of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as actors like Gwyneth Paltrow and key players such as Tom Holland, Jon Favreau, and others continue to shape pop culture’s biggest franchise. As fans await the next chapters for these stars, their enduring friendships and humorous behind-the-scenes stories remind audiences why these moments matter both on screen and off.
