Beverly Hills, California — Gwyneth Paltrow and Robert Downey Jr. shared a lively and emotional reunion on Wednesday at The Hollywood Reporter’s 2025 Women in Entertainment breakfast gala. The prestigious event, held at the Beverly Hills Hotel, celebrated influential women in the industry and featured Paltrow accepting the 20th annual Sherry Lansing Leadership Award.
Before presenting the award, Downey Jr. took the opportunity to humorously tease his former co-star, known for her portrayal of Pepper Potts opposite his Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In his remarks, he affectionately poked fun at Paltrow’s occasional struggles to remember her character’s connections in various superhero films, recalling a moment when she jokingly asked about Spider-Man’s identity.
Reflecting on Paltrow’s impressive career, Downey Jr. highlighted her rise to fame, beginning with her Oscar-winning role in “Shakespeare in Love.” He praised her ability to balance her acting career with entrepreneurial ventures, noting how she built her lifestyle brand, Goop, during breaks on set while also raising her children.
Downey Jr. didn’t shy away from referencing Paltrow’s public persona, pointing out how it sometimes garners mixed reactions. He described the term “polarizing” as a label often unfairly applied to powerful women, emphasizing Paltrow’s significance and adaptability over the years.
In a moment that resonated with the audience, he lauded her resilience and integrity, mentioning her recent court trial involving an alleged skiing accident. Downey Jr. praised Paltrow’s dignified behavior throughout the proceedings and underscored her fashion choices during the trial, calling them a testament to her poise.
As he concluded his speech, Downey Jr. enthusiastically invited the audience to acknowledge Paltrow, exclaiming, “It’s time to recognize … Gwyneth fuggin’ Paltrow,” sparking cheers from the crowd.
Rachel Sennott hosted the event, which featured other notable speakers, including Dakota Johnson and Regina Hall. The gathering also honored Jennifer Lopez with the Equity in Entertainment Award, presented by Kerry Washington.
The breakfast gala was presented by Lifetime and included sponsorship from various organizations, while partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and other educational institutions.
With this heartfelt reunion and celebration of achievements, the event underscored the importance of female leadership and the ongoing contributions of women in the entertainment industry.