Cactus huggers

Garry Shandling and Mel Gibson flank the American Cinematheque honoree, Robert Downey Jr. John Landis gives pointers to Jeffrey Katzenberg and Ron Meyer. Joel Silver pairs off with Iron Man.Producer Susan Downey speaks onstage during The 25th American Cinematheque Award Honoring Robert Downey Jr. Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux Second chances was the theme of Friday's American Cinematheque's gala honoring Robert Downey Jr. On a night when everyone referenced the honoree's notorious past and return to sobriety, Downey passed it forward with surprise guest Mel Gibson, who presented the trophy to RDJ. "Forgive my friend his trespasses and give him the same clear slate you gave me," Downey said. "He's hugged the cactus long enough" -- a reference to the term Gibson apparently used when he called Downey during his time of troubles. "So Robert, is this everything you hoped it would be?" Gibson asked when bestowing the award. "You're a good dude with a good heart." Jon Favreau said, "I met the new Robert and only know the new Robert. Not since Joseph in the Bible has someone gone from something low to so high." Since the evening was taped but no network has picked up rights to air it yet, presenters let loose during the accolades with references to Downey's drug-addled past. "He never let his career get in the way of hardcore Class A drugs," said Jennifer Aniston. But there was also plenty of praise: Jack Black called him "a stone-cold stud muffin"; Jared Harris said, "When he's around it feels like the circus is in town." Contact Shalini Dore at shali.dore@variety.com