The 45th Golden Raspberry Awards, frequently enough referred to as the razzies, have unveiled their nominations for the worst cinematic works of 2024. Scheduled to take place on March 1, 2025, just one day before the Oscars, the Razzies serve as a counterpoint to the Academy Awards, spotlighting the year’s most disappointing films and performances.
Leading the pack with seven nominations is Joker: Folie à Deux, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 hit Joker. The film, which premiered at the Venice Film festival, found itself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. It was nominated for Worst Film, Worst Director (Todd Phillips), Worst Actress (Lady Gaga), Worst Actor (Joaquin Phoenix), Worst On-Screen Couple, Worst Sequel, and Worst Screenplay.The irony is palpable, as Phoenix won the Oscar for Best Actor for the same role in the original film.
Despite its star-studded cast and high expectations, Joker: Folie à Deux faced significant backlash upon its release in October 2024. Critics panned the film, and it underperformed at the box office, grossing $207.5 million worldwide against a budget of $190–200 million. This marked a stark contrast to the success of its predecessor, which earned over $1 billion globally.
The Razzies also highlighted other notable contenders for the worst of 2024. Borderlands received six nominations, while Madame Web, starring Dakota Johnson, and Megalopolis, directed by francis Ford Coppola and featuring Adam Driver, also made the list. The biographical film Reagan, chronicling the life of U.S. President Ronald Reagan, was another unexpected entry.
Rounding out the nominations were Unfrosted, which earned four nods despite its ensemble cast including Jerry Seinfeld, Amy Schumer, and Melissa McCarthy, and Kraven the Hunter, which received three. Argylle and The Crow each secured two nominations.
Here’s a summary of the key nominations:
| Film | Nominations |
|————————-|—————–|
| Joker: Folie à deux | 7 |
| Borderlands | 6 |
| Madame Web | 5 |
| Megalopolis | 4 |
| Unfrosted | 4 |
| Kraven the Hunter | 3 |
| Argylle | 2 |
| The Crow | 2 |
The Razzies continue to be a engaging, if not controversial, part of Hollywood’s awards season. While they celebrate the best in cinema,they also remind us of the pitfalls of filmmaking. As the countdown to March 1 begins, all eyes will be on which films and performances will take home the dubious honor of a Golden Raspberry.
Exploring the 45th Golden Raspberry Awards: A Conversation on the Worst Films of 2024
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The 45th Golden Raspberry Awards, commonly known as the Razzies, have once again stirred up Hollywood’s awards season. This year’s nominations highlight the most disappointing films of 2024, with Joker: Folie à Deux leading the pack with seven nominations. joining us today to discuss the meaning of these awards and the films in question is Dr. Emily Carter, a film critic and cultural analyst with over 15 years of experience in cinema studies.
The Rise and Fall of Joker: Folie à Deux
Senior Editor: Dr. Carter, Joker: Folie à Deux has garnered significant attention—not for its success, but for its overwhelming criticism. How did this highly anticipated sequel fall so short of expectations?
Dr. Emily Carter: It’s a interesting case study in the pitfalls of high expectations. The original Joker was a cultural phenomenon, earning Joaquin Phoenix an Oscar and grossing over $1 billion worldwide. However, the sequel seemed to lose the essence of what made the first film resonate. Critics pointed to its convoluted plot,lack of character depth,and tonal inconsistencies. Despite Lady Gaga’s star power and Todd Phillips’ return as director, the film failed to connect with audiences, both critically and commercially.
Other Notable Contenders: Borderlands and Madame web
Senior Editor: Beyond Joker, films like Borderlands and Madame Web have also made headlines for their razzies nominations. What went wrong for these projects?
Dr. Emily Carter: Borderlands suffered from a lack of cohesion between its video game roots and its cinematic adaptation. Fans of the franchise where disappointed by the film’s failure to capture the humor and style of the games. As for Madame Web, it was a case of mismanaged potential. Dakota Johnson’s performance was commendable, but the film’s weak script and pacing left much to be desired. both films serve as reminders that adapting beloved properties requires a delicate balance of respect for the source material and creative innovation.
The Unexpected Entries: Megalopolis and Reagan
Senior Editor: Francis ford Coppola’s Megalopolis and the biographical film Reagan were surprising additions to the Razzies list. What are your thoughts on these nominations?
Dr. Emily Carter: megalopolis is particularly interesting because it’s a passion project for Coppola, but it seems to have alienated both critics and audiences. Its abstract narrative and ambitious scope may have been too esoteric for mainstream appeal. Reagan, on the other hand, faced criticism for its portrayal of the former U.S. president, with some accusing it of oversimplifying complex historical events. Both films highlight the risks of taking bold creative swings, especially when dealing with polarizing subject matter.
Legacy of the Razzies: Celebrating or Criticizing Cinema?
Senior Editor: The Razzies have always been a controversial part of awards season. Do you think they serve a meaningful purpose, or do they simply mock the film industry?
Dr. Emily Carter: The Razzies walk a fine line between critique and parody. While they can be harsh, they also serve as a reminder of the challenges filmmakers face. Even the most talented directors and actors can misstep, and these awards highlight the importance of storytelling, direction, and performance in creating impactful cinema. In a way, the Razzies celebrate the resilience of the industry by acknowledging that not every project can be a success—but every failure is a learning opportunity.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Razzies and Hollywood?
Senior Editor: With the Razzies ceremony approaching on March 1, what do you think this year’s nominations say about the state of Hollywood?
Dr. Emily Carter: This year’s nominations reflect a broader trend in Hollywood—high expectations and big budgets don’t always translate to quality. Films like Joker: Folie à Deux and Borderlands show the risks of prioritizing spectacle over substance. However, they also underscore the importance of taking creative risks, even if they don’t always pay off. As the industry continues to evolve, I hope we see more films that prioritize originality and storytelling, regardless of their awards season fate.
Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on this year’s Razzies nominees. as we count down to the ceremony, it’s clear that these awards remain a thought-provoking and entertaining part of Hollywood’s landscape.
