And the winner of the not-so-coveted Razzie Award is... Each year, alongside the prestigious Oscars, there is another award show that shines a spotlight on the not-so-great in cinema - the Razzie Awards.
Since 1981, the 44th edition of the infamous "honors" included nominees like Jason Statham, Vin Diesel, and Ana de Armas for worst actor and actress.
Nominated for worst film of 2023 were "Expend4bles," "Meg 2: The Trench," "Shazam! Fury of the Gods," and the lackluster "Exorcist: Believer."
But unfortunately for Mickey Mouse, the horror movie "Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey" won the Razzie award for worst picture, as announced by the awards association on Saturday.
In the acting categories, Jon Voight, an Academy Award-winner, was named worst actor for his role in the film "Mercy." Meanwhile, Sylvester Stallone took home the award for worst supporting actor for his performance in "Expend4bles."
Megan Fox, known for her role in "Transformers" and also a poet, was awarded two Razzies for worst actress and supporting actress in the movies "Johnny & Clyde" and "Expend4bles."
The horror version of "Winnie the Pooh" received four other Razzie awards, one of them being for worst screen couple for Pooh and Piglet as "Blood-Thirsty Slasher/Killers (!)."
The Razzies, also known as the Golden Raspberry Awards, have faced some controversy.
The organization received criticism last year for nominating 12-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong for her role in the "Firestarter" remake, leading to an apology.
In 2010, Sandra Bullock attended the Razzie ceremony where she won the worst actress award for "All About Steve". Interestingly, she also won an Oscar for "The Blind Side" that same weekend. Sandra brought many DVDs of the film to the ceremony and encouraged Razzie voters to watch it, insisting that it wasn't as bad as they thought. This event serves as a reminder that film, like any art form, is subjective and open to personal interpretation.
Editor's P/S:
The Razzie Awards offer a tongue-in-cheek counterpoint to the esteemed Academy Awards, highlighting the cinematic misfires of the year. While the awards may elicit laughter, they also underscore the subjective nature of artistic evaluation. The controversy surrounding the nomination of a young actress in 2022 and Sandra Bullock's gracious acceptance of her award in 2010 serve as reminders of the importance of balancing humor with respect for the craft of filmmaking.
The Razzie Awards provide an opportunity for audiences to engage in a playful critique of popular cinema. By recognizing both the triumphs and the shortcomings of the entertainment industry, the awards encourage a more nuanced and inclusive approach to film appreciation. Ultimately, the Razzies remind us that even the most critically panned movies can have their moments of unintentional entertainment value.