Robert Downy Jr. gushed over his Oppenheimer costar Cillian Murphy while presenting him the Desert Palm Achievement Award on Thursday.

The Iron Man actor, who appeared on the Palm Springs Convention Center stage to present the honour to  Murphy, first revealed he hadn’t prepared the speech yet.

“I feel kind of like I blew it because I didn’t write anything and I’m not going to make an excuse, I’m just going to offer an explanation."

While referring to the recent earthquakes in Japan and California he continued, "I was distracted [by the] holidays, I had a head cold, and then there was two earthquakes, that activated my crippling seismology anxiety.” 

Downey  then presented the award to the Dunkirk actor, for his outstanding performance in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film Oppenheimer.

“He is an anomaly. He’s been an actor’s actor for over 20 years and nobody dislikes this guy. That’s not easy,” said Downey of Cillian.

The Zodiac actor added, “His character work and his onscreen intensity never fail. Captain captivating, it’s fucking titillating.”

Robert Downey Jr. also revealed how his industry fellows responded after finding out Christopher Nolan's longtime collaborator Murphy would be playing J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film.

Read More: Robert Downey Jr. credits 'Iron Man' role for 'Oppenheimer' preparation

“It’s that kind of generational casting decision that gives you chills, just the potential of it. … When I heard the announcement, I said, ‘This is going to be event cinema. And then this guy had to prove it,” said the Dolittle actor.

“I’ve been in this game for 40 something years and I’ve never had the experience like watching Cillian carry the weight of J. Robert on his back for the whole time with his heart on his sleeve and all the required sophistication and restraint,” he further praised the Inception actor.

The Batman Begins actor and Robert Downey Jr. starred in 2023's hit movie, Oppenheimer, based on the life of renowned nuclear physician, J. Robert Oppenheimer.