Every year, just before Hollywood’s elite gather at the Dolby Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard for the prestigious Academy Awards, a quirky, lesser-known film festival takes place nearby. At this event, actors and filmmakers are not celebrated for their triumphs; instead, they are humorously acknowledged for some of the worst cinematic misfires, all in the spirit of satire.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, commonly known as the ‘Razzies’, started in founder John J. B. Wilson’s living room but have since moved to various venues in Los Angeles. Actors and critics attend with a mixed sense of apprehension, mockery, and sometimes good-natured humor. While some stars steer clear of the Razzie ceremony, others embrace the chance to confront their toughest critics.
As of 2024, 77 films have been simultaneously nominated for both an Oscar and a Razzie. Notably, Sandra Bullock made headlines in 2010 when she attended the Razzies to accept the ‘Worst Actress’ award for All About Steve, only to win the Academy Award for ‘Best Actress’ the very next night for The Blind Side. She even brought a DVD of the film to the Razzies for the audience.
However, not everyone takes these mock awards in stride. Sylvester Stallone holds the unfortunate record for the longest consecutive streak of nominations at the Razzies, racking up a total of 34 nominations and 12 wins. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the Rocky star admitted that the situation irritated him in the past, but he has come to appreciate the humor in it, saying, “There are some really good performers in there.”
Stallone also discussed his views on critics, expressing his frustration that they often offer little constructive feedback beyond negativity. He analogy it to berating a child and then walking away without guidance.
At 79, Stallone surpasses fellow actors like Adam Sandler and Madonna, who each have nine Razzie awards, while others like Kevin Costner and Eddie Murphy have six. Interestingly, one of his Razzie awards was a positive recognition—he received the ‘Razzie Redeemer’ award in 2015 for Creed.
But Stallone has more to his legacy than Razzie nominations. With accolades including a Golden Globe, a Critics’ Choice Award, and five Oscar nominations, he’s secured his place in Hollywood history. In 1984, he earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and became one of only two actors—alongside Harrison Ford—to have starred in a box-office number-one film for six consecutive decades. Now that’s a record worth celebrating.
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