Downey receives Chicago film award

CHICAGO, June 20 (UPI) -- Actor Robert Downey Jr. reflected on his career ups and downs as he was presented with the Gene Siskel Award in Chicago.

The Gene Siskel Film Center said it gave Downey its Renaissance Award as "one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation," the Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday.

Asked about his favorites of the movies he's starred in, Downey named "Tropic Thunder,'' "Sherlock Holmes,'' and "Iron Man.''

"Those three movies are the most representative of my work,'' Downey said. "I'm just glad that I didn't cheese out and phone in a performance on films that did so well.''

"Iron Man'' Tony Stark was the role he wanted the most, Downey said, and spent the most time preparing for. But he said he did the most research for his role in "Chaplin."

Regarding his well-publicized battles with drugs and alcohol, Downey said he has moved on from them.

"I don't really think about it much anymore,'' Downey said. "I used to think, 'Everywhere I look, there are all of these issues. I need some dope.'" he said.

His history as a recovering drug addict never affected his acting, Downey said.

"But having a gargantuan hangover is not a great feeling," he said.