The Cosmic Counterbalance to the Oscars
As the world gears up for the Oscars this weekend, the prestigious celebration of cinematic excellence, another less glamorous ceremony unfolds: The Razzies. Known as the anti-Oscars, the Razzies acknowledge the less-than-stellar contributions to the film industry each year. This time, their selections for the worst films and performances have been notably hard to dispute.
The Unfortunate Triumphs of Madame Web
Leading the charge with three infamous wins, including Worst Picture, is the Spider-Man spin-off Madame Web. This film also earned Dakota Johnson the Worst Actress award and took home the title for Worst Screenplay. Johnson herself has expressed regret about participating in the film, stating to Bustle, she would likely avoid similar projects in the future. The film has been described as a cinematic misstep, and Johnson’s acknowledgement reflects this sentiment.
Other Notable ‘Winners’
In addition to Madame Web, Jerry Seinfeld was recognized as Worst Actor for his involvement in the Netflix film Unfrosted, a project he also directed and co-wrote. Joker: Folie à Deux wasn’t spared either, securing Worst Sequel and Worst Screen Combo for its leading duo, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Meanwhile, the legendary Francis Ford Coppola accepted the Worst Director award for his Cannes-premiering epic Megalopolis, acknowledging the Razzie with a sense of humor and defiance.
Coppola graciously accepted his award, posting on Instagram about the “honor” of receiving the Razzie. He highlighted his commitment to artistic risk-taking, emphasizing the importance of creating cinema that resonates beyond mere box-office success. In a world where art is often measured by commercial metrics, Coppola’s message is a refreshing reminder of the deeper values of filmmaking.
Acknowledging Improvement
In a more positive note, Pamela Anderson received the Razzie Redeemer Award, given to a former Razzie winner who has turned their career around. Once named Worst New Star for Barb Wire in 1996, Anderson has recently garnered critical acclaim for her role in The Last Showgirl.
Complete List of This Year’s Razzie ‘Winners’
Worst Picture
- Borderlands
- Joker: Folie à Deux
- Madame Web (WINNER)
- Megalopolis
- Reagan
Worst Actor
- Jack Black – Dear Santa
- Zachary Levi – Harold and the Purple Crayon
- Joaquin Phoenix – Joker: Folie à Deux
- Dennis Quaid – Reagan
- Jerry Seinfeld – Unfrosted (WINNER)
Worst Actress
- Cate Blanchett – Borderlands
- Lady Gaga – Joker: Folie à Deux
- Bryce Dallas Howard – Argylle
- Dakota Johnson – Madame Web (WINNER)
- Jennifer Lopez – Atlas
Worst Supporting Actor
- Jack Black (Voice Only) – Borderlands
- Kevin Hart – Borderlands
- Shia LaBeouf (in drag) – Megalopolis
- Tahar Rahim – Madame Web
- Jon Voight – Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land & Strangers (WINNER)
Worst Supporting Actress
- Ariana DeBose – Argylle & Kraven the Hunter
- Leslie Anne Down (as Margaret Thatcher) – Reagan
- Emma Roberts – Madame Web
- Amy Schumer – Unfrosted (WINNER)
- FKA twigs – The Crow
Worst Director
- S.J. Clarkson – Madame Web
- Francis Ford Coppola – Megalopolis (WINNER)
- Todd Phillips – Joker: Folie à Deux
- Eli Roth – Borderlands
- Jerry Seinfeld – Unfrosted
Worst Screen Combo
- Any Two Obnoxious Characters (But Especially Jack Black) – Borderlands
- Any Two Unfunny “Comedic Actors” – Unfrosted
- The Entire Cast of Megalopolis – Megalopolis
- Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga – Joker: Folie à Deux (WINNER)
- Dennis Quaid & Penelope Ann Miller (as “Ronnie and Nancy”) – Reagan
Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel
- The Crow
- Joker: Folie à Deux (WINNER)
- Kraven the Hunter
- Mufasa: The Lion King
- Rebel Moon 2: The Scargiver
Worst Screenplay
- Joker: Folie à Deux
- Kraven the Hunter
- Madame Web (WINNER)
- Megalopolis
- Reagan
Looking Ahead to the Oscars
As the entertainment world shifts its focus to the 97th Oscars, taking place on Sunday, 2 March, Euronews Culture will provide comprehensive coverage of the ceremony. Stay tuned for insights and analyses, and check out our predictions for the big night.
