The nominations for the 2025 Golden Raspberry Awards were announced recently, bringing attention to the year's most criticized films and performances. Known as "Razzies," these awards serve as a humorous counterpoint to the prestigious Oscars, which will take place just days later. This year's frontrunner for the dubious honor is the musical-thriller sequel, Joker: Folie à Deux, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga, which garnered seven nominations.
The Golden Raspberries, established to parody the Oscars, shed light on what critics and audiences deemed the worst achievements in film over the past year. According to Variety, Joker: Folie à Deux stands out not only for its popularity but also for the stark downturn it experienced compared to its predecessor, which earned over $1 billion at the box office. The sequel, which had a budget of $200 million, managed to pull in only $206 million, throwing it under the Razzies spotlight.
Joaquin Phoenix, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Arthur Fleck, now finds himself nominated for the Razzie for the same character. His performance, once lauded, is now subject to scrutiny as critics reflect on the sequel's reception. Lady Gaga also faces potential recognition for Worst Actress for her role alongside Phoenix. Alongside these standout nominees, the Razzies also highlight other notable performances. Jack Black and Cate Blanchett are among those spotlighted for their less-than-stellar portrayals.
The categories for the Golden Raspberries are quite extensive, featuring nominations not just for Worst Film and Worst Actor, but also for Worst Director and Worst Screenplay. This year, Joker: Folie à Deux competes alongside films like Reagan, Borderlands, Madame Web, and Megalopolis, which each secured nominations across multiple categories. Jerry Seinfeld, famously known for his illustrious career, is also up for multiple awards, including one for his performance as the Worst Actor for Unfrosted.
The cultural impact of the Razzies reflects the tastes and opinions of general audiences, often contrasting with the opinions of critics and industry professionals. It serves as lighthearted entertainment, encapsulating the notion of recognition for films and performances most audiences found unworthy of praise. The Razzies have also drawn their fair share of attention over the years, especially when certain stars accept their awards. Halle Berry, for example, made headlines when she accepted her Razzie, only to win the Oscar the very next day for her role in Monster's Ball.
Looking at the performances and the films nominated, it becomes clear how the Razzies can serve as somewhat of a litmus test for public opinion on films. The trend of sequels failing to meet expectations continues, as evidenced with Joker: Folie à Deux. While its predecessor gained significant acclaim, its sequel has sparked debate over repetitive storytelling and perceived lack of originality. Despite its initial success, the return of popular franchises can lead to challenges — including a disconnect between audience expectations and what filmmakers deliver.
The nominees for Worst Film this year include: Joker: Folie à Deux, Borderlands, Madame Web, Megalopolis, and Reagan. Particularly compelling are the results showcasing seemingly talented filmmakers and actors facing the Razzies—a light-hearted recognition of their dismal efforts. It's fascinating how perception can shift within just years, as former Oscar-winners find themselves receiving Razzies later on.
All nominees and winners are announced on March 1, 2025, providing entertainment fans with ample opportunity to reflect on the films of the previous year. The announcement will likely be aggressively discussed on social media platforms, generating conversations about the tastes and preferences of film audiences. Following the ceremony, where the winners are humorously celebrated, the Razzies will once again showcase the sometimes harsh reality of the movie industry, proving just as entertaining as the awards it parodies.
Viewers eager to catch the Golden Raspberry Awards ceremony can look forward to seeing the announcements streamed live, marking the event as both lighthearted and engaging entertainment. The juxtaposition of the Razzies with the Oscars not only offers laughs but also invites discussions about cinematic achievement versus disappointment—two sides of the same industry coin.