Drug Rehabilitation

This year’s recipient of the 25th annual American Cinematheque Award is none other than Robert Downey Jr. After speeches from different personalities were given in honor of the actor, he got on stage and received his award from a man, who like Downey himself, had his own share of substance abuse problems — Mel Gibson.

The “Iron Man” star was welcomed on stage by a standing ovation from the audience that included Jennifer Aniston, Jodie Foster, and Jon Favreau.

Gibson presented Downey Jr. his award, and afterwards, when the crowd finally stopped clapping and started listening to him, the actor surprisingly shared his experiences, and how his longtime friend Gibson helped him at a time when nobody dared to give him a chance.

The actor can still remember what Gibson at that time told him. He said if he (Downey Jr.) will acknowledge that he’s in deep trouble and accept what he has done, Gibson would help him fight his substance abuse problems. Gibson gave him the role in the film “The Singing Detective” which was supposed to be a feature tailor-made for Gibson himself, yet Gibson opted to help out Downey Jr. and asked nothing from him but to do the same when the time comes that somebody else will be needing his help.

But Robert never imagined that it would be Gibson who will need his support. So in front of last Friday’s group of actors, executives, and other Hollywood personnel, Robert decided to give back the favor to Gibson. He took the opportunity to tell everyone that his friend, Gibson, had “hugged the cactus long enough,” and it was about time that the industry bestows the same forgiveness that was given to him before.

Applause immediately followed, this time it wasn’t for Downey Jr., but for Mel Gibson. Gibson humbly accepted the honor; a sign that will hopefully start the process of forgiveness which he has long been waiting for.