Delaney Hibbits
Arts and Entertainment Editor
Everyone knows the Academy Awards are meant to honor those who had the best year in Hollywood whether it be through acting, directing or writing. Winning an Oscar is a goal for many aspiring workers in the entertainment industry. However, many of these celebrities may see a “Razzie” award before the golden statue is within reach.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzie Awards, occur the day before the Oscars and give prestige to those who are the worst in entertainment. Numerous categories mirror those of the Oscars such as director, screenplay and picture. Instead of waiting to hear which film won the hearts of the audience, viewers find the movie’s many wishes never existed.
In the case of the 44 Razzie Awards, Winnie the Pooh was the guest of honor sweeping the competition. In 2022, this childhood character was released into the public domain and instantly became a part of new genres.
British director, Rhys Frake-Waterfield, made a live-action film called “Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey.” After Christopher Robin leaves for college, Pooh and Piglet return to their animal roots and become seekers of prey. Robin returns to introduce his fiance to his friends but is met with bloodthirsty creatures who look to terrorize and murder.
It is clear why this film was nominated for categories such as “Worst Picture,” “Worst Director” and “Worst Remake, Rip-off, or Sequel.” Taking a beloved character such as Winnie the Pooh and turning him into a supernatural killer does not sit well with viewers.
Pooh was not the only winner at the Razzies since Megan Fox, Jon Voight and Sylvester Stallone each won a category. Fox was nominated and awarded for “Worst Actress” and “Worst Supporting Actress.”
Her film “Johnny and Clyde” was meant to be a modern version of Bonnie and Clyde yet fell short in terms of enjoyment. Johnny and Clyde are serial killers who happen to be madly in love with one another and with robbing a casino. Fox, who portrays the owner of the casino, failed to deliver a performance worth watching.
Furthermore, she stands with Sylvester Stallone as both actors were deemed the worst supporting actor and actress in their film “The Expend4bles.” The latest addition to the franchise is about a new generation of mercenaries who are the world’s last option for defense. Stallone’s few minutes of screen time were disappointing, and Fox’s new character left critics empty.
Despite most Razzies being focused on the negatives of the entertainment industry, they do offer one award about redemption. The “Razzie Redeemer of the Year” award was given to Fran Drescher. In 1998, Drescher was nominated for “Worst Actress” due to her performance in “The Beautician and the Beast.”
She earned the redemption award after her courage and leadership during the recent actors’ strike. The organizers applauded Drescher for “ her brilliant shepherding of the actors’ guild through a prolonged 2023 strike, with a highly successful conclusion.”
The Razzie labels “Worst Actor” and “Worst Director” do not carry real weight in terms of talent and skill. For example, Tom Hanks may have won a Razzie, but he still was chosen for two Academy Awards. The Razzie Awards are meant to be lighthearted, comedic and fun to watch before the Oscars air on television.
