Jimmy Kimmel alludes to Robert Downey Jr’s drug past in opening monologue

After Kimmel’s gag, Downey’s co-star Emily Blunt could be seen reaching across to tap her friend’s shoulders as the actor appeared to look slightly uncomfortable

Host Jimmy Kimmel alluded to Robert Downey Jr’s history with substance abuse in his opening monologue (Chris Pizzello/AP)

Robert Downey Jr was left looking uncomfortable after Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel appeared to allude to to the actor’s history with substance abuse.

The US host of the 96th Academy Awards took to the stage of the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday night, kicking off the ceremony with a customary monologue filled with jokes as the expense of those in the audience.