Cactus huggers

Garry Shandling and Mel Gibson flank the American Cinematheque honoree, Robert Downey Junior. John Landis gives pointers to Jeffrey Katzenberg and Ron Meyer. Joel Silver pairs served by Iron Guy.Producer Susan Downey talks onstage throughout The 25th American Cinematheque Award Praising Robert Downey Junior. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Second chances was the theme of Friday's American Cinematheque's gala praising Robert Downey Junior. On the evening when everybody recommended the honoree's well known past and go back to sobriety, Downey passed it forward with surprise guest Mel Gibson, who presented the trophy to RDJ. "Forgive my pal his trespasses and provide him exactly the same obvious slate you provided,Inch Downey stated. "He's hugged the extracts of the lengthy enough" -- a mention of the the word Gibson apparently used when he known as Downey throughout his duration of troubles. "So Robert, is all you wished it might be?Inch Gibson requested when bestowing the award. "You are a great dude with a decent heart." Jon Favreau stated, "I met the brand new Robert and just be aware of new Robert. Not since Frederick within the Bible has someone gone from something low to excessive.Inch Because the evening was recorded but no network has acquired privileges to air it yet, presenters revealed throughout the accolades with references to Downey's drug-addled past. "He never let his career get when it comes to hardcore Class A drugs," stated Jennifer Aniston. But there is also lots of praise: Jack Black known as him "a stone-cold stud muffin" Jared Harris stated, "When he's around it feels as though the circus is within town." Contact Shalini Dore at shali.dore@variety.com