The nominations for the Golden Raspberry Awards, an event that humorously highlights the worst in cinema, were announced recently. Leading the pack with seven nominations is the controversial sequel "Joker: Folie a Deux," starring Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Other notable films receiving multiple nods include "Borderlands," "Madame Web," "Megalopolis," and "Reagan." The awards have faced criticism over the years for their tone, especially after nominating a 12-year-old actress in 2023. Despite this, the Razzies continue to draw attention, with the winners set to be revealed on March 1, just before the Oscars.

Leading Contenders Face Multiple Nominations

The film "Joker: Folie a Deux" has become a central figure in the 2025 Razzie nominations, securing seven nods. This includes worst actor and actress for its lead performers, Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga. Both also received nominations for worst screen combo, adding further controversy to the film's reception. Phoenix previously won an Oscar for his role in the original "Joker," making this year's nominations particularly ironic. The film's poor reviews have not spared it from public scrutiny, as evidenced by the relentless mocking during the Golden Globes.

Other actors found themselves nominated for multiple roles. Jack Black, for instance, was nominated twice—once for lead actor in "Dear Santa" and again for supporting actor in "Borderlands." Similarly, Jon Voight earned four nominations for worst supporting actor across different films, including "Megalopolis," "Reagan," "Shadow Land," and "Strangers." Ariana DeBose was nominated for her supporting roles in both "Argylle" and "Kraven the Hunter," highlighting the breadth of underwhelming performances recognized by the Razzies.

Controversy Surrounding the Razzies

Beyond the nominations, the Razzies have been a subject of debate due to their approach to recognizing poor performances. In 2023, the organization faced significant backlash after nominating a 12-year-old actress, Ryan Kiera Armstrong, for worst actress. Following widespread criticism, the Razzies issued a public apology and removed Armstrong from the ballot. This incident brought attention to the sensitivity needed when critiquing young performers and led to a reevaluation of the award show's practices.

The Razzies' history of targeting subpar films dates back to 1981, but the awards have often been criticized for being overly harsh. While some view them as a humorous counterpoint to the Oscars, others argue they can be mean-spirited. Nonetheless, the Razzies remain a prominent part of the entertainment industry calendar, drawing attention with their unique approach to celebrating—or rather, lampooning—the worst in cinema. Films like "Unfrosted" and "Atlas" also made appearances in the nominations, ensuring that no poorly received movie goes unnoticed.