Oscars 2026: Robert Downey Gifts Chris Evans Channing Tatum’s ‘Thong’, Fans Call It A ‘Strange Bit’

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony is back with surprises as the stars came together the honnor the best in the industry. The award show took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles. However, amid all the awards and laughters it was Robert Downey Jr.’s racy bit with Chris Evans that got everyone’s attention.

Robert Downey Jr.’s racy ‘Magic Mike Thong’ joke with Chris Evans

The Oscars took a turn when Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans came together during the award show. The Marvel duo came on stage to present the night’s best screenplay at the Dolby Theatre stage. However, when they joined forces as presenters, they also had a bit prepared for the audience, which has now left the netizens divided. Before the duo first called out Paul Thomas Anderson as the winner for Best Adapted Screenplay for One Battle After Another, Chris pressed Robert for not getting him a proper gift for the 14th anniversary of their first Avengers collaboration.

The conversation followed when Chris Evans got him a copy of the screenplay signed by the entire cast and crew. However, it was later revealed that all Robert Downey Jr. could get in return was a crumpled valet parking ticket he immediately took back. Nonetheless, once Paul Thomas Anderson left the stage, after accepting his award, Chris was left alone at the podium and called out, “No Downey?” He was halfway through the introduction to the Original Screenplay nominees when Robert Downey Jr. raced back onstage, telling him that he had something for him.

However, what Robert Downey Jr. pulled from his pocket drew a round of shocked laughter and involved an A-lister looking on from the audience. “I got you the official Tanning Chatum thong from Magic Mike. Sequined, it’s got like a mirrorball effect. Light usage,” the Iron Man star joked, unfurling a giant, pink and sparkling pair of underwear from his suit pocket, to which Chris Evans dryly responded, “I have no words.” Nonetheless, soon enough, Channing Tatum yelled from the audience that he was going to need the ‘Magic Mike thong’ back. A disbelieving Robert Downey Jr. questioned, “For what?” To which Channing responded:

“I’ve gotta work later, what are you talking about?” 

Netizens react to Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans’ bit

Soon enough, the clip started making the rounds online, and netizens were left divided over their choice for the bit. A user penned, “Strange idea for a bit.” Another penned, “Weird bit. Didn’t quite hit.” A comment read, “Imagine being handed someone else’s thong at the Oscars… absolute legend energy.”

Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans presented the Best Original Screenplay award to Ryan Coogler for Sinners

Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans then presented the Best Original Screenplay award to Ryan Coogler for the record-breaking film, Sinners. The award marked the filmmaker’s fifth nomination and first win. The category was loaded with strong nominees, including Jafar Panahi for the Cannes-winning It Was Just an Accident, and Ronald Bronstein and Josh Safdie for the latter’s Timothee Chalamet epic, Marty Supreme. During his acceptance speech, Ryan thanked his fellow nominees, everyone involved in making the period horror, his parents and wife, Zinzi Evans, and their three children

“Please sit down, because I’m very nervous and they’re going to play me off. I grew up in Oakland and Richmond, Calif., and we can talk a lot. To my babies who are at home watching, I apologise for all the time away. Dad loves you, memories are all we have, I hope I give you some great ones.”

What are your thoughts on Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evan’s joke during the Oscar 2026? Let us know.

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