Robert Downey, Jr. wants people to forgive Mel Gibson

Robert Downey, Jr. was honored Friday at the American Cinematheque Award ceremony in Beverly Hills, but the spotlight was put on a different celebrity.

Extra TV reported Downey shifted the attention to pal Mel Gibson, asking guests to "forgive my friend his trespasses" and "allow him to pursue this art without shame."

Gibson was at the event and even presented the Iron Man star with the award.

According to Reuters, he was one of the few people who supported Downey when he wasn't able to land a job in Hollywood because imprisonment and arrests on drug charges made him uninsurable.

In 2003, Gibson gave the actor a role in his film, The Singing Detective, which helped launch Downey's career back on the right path.

"He kept a roof over my head and put food on my table," Downey said.

Iron Man director Jon Favreau also commented on the 46-year-old's low point, saying, "Not since Joseph in the Bible went from prison to prophecy has someone elevated themselves from so low."

Downey said he has full confidence Gibson will make a successful return and people just need to put in a little faith.