In 1992 , he starred as Charlie Chaplin in '' Chaplin '' , a role for which he prepared extensively , learning how to play the violin as well as tennis left-handed . He had a personal coach in order to help him imitate Chaplin 's posture , and a way of carrying himself . The role garnered Downey an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards 65th ceremony , losing to Al Pacino in '' Scent of a Woman ''
Academy Awards 65th ceremony
65th Academy Awards
Robert Downey Jr.