Las Vegas Weekly

April 1, 2009 · 6 AM

Photo Gallery: Robert Downey Jr. in ShoWest 2009’s spotlight

By Robin Leach

Robert Downey Jr. at ShoWest 2009.

Photo: Erik Kabik/Retna/www.erikkabikphoto.com

Movie superstar Robert Downey Jr. was in the powerhouse lineup of Hollywood heavyweights yesterday morning who heard at ShoWest 2009 that the movie industry had a bonanza year in 2008 and can safely look forward to an even bigger record-setting 2009! The annual convention, attended by more than 5,000 delegates from more than 50 countries, continues through tomorrow at Bally’s and Paris.

Robert premiered his upcoming film Sherlock Holmes co-starring Jude Law and directed by Guy Ritchie. During his welcome speech to conventioneers, Robert surprised everybody by belting out the chorus to his 1980s comedy hit Weird Science.

Other Tinseltown toppers on hand for the first full morning of ShoWest were Starsky & Hutch director Todd Phillips, who previewed his film Hangover filmed here in Las Vegas; director McG, who screened a clip from Terminator Salvation starring Christian Bale as John Connor; and Warner Bros. Entertainment President Alan Horn.

Dan Glickman, chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, delivered a very upbeat and forward-looking speech about the film industry. He told delegates how strong box office business had been in 2008 and that they could expect an even bigger 2009.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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