A-List Actors Who Won Awards for Terrible Performances
The Golden Raspberry Awards, or Razzies, are a cheeky counterpoint to the glitz of the Oscars, shining a spotlight on the worst in cinema. Even the biggest stars, with their shelves full of prestigious awards, can stumble into a Razzie win for a performance that misses the mark.
These A-list actors are celebrated for their talent, but they’ve also taken home Razzies for roles that critics and audiences couldn’t stomach. Here’s a look at 15 top-tier stars who’ve earned this dubious honor.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Leonardo DiCaprio is a powerhouse, with an Oscar for ‘The Revenant’ and nominations for films like ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’. His intense performances and dedication to his craft have made him a Hollywood icon.
Yet, he snagged a Razzie for Worst Screen Couple in ‘The Man in the Iron Mask’ for playing both King Louis XIV and his twin. Critics panned the dual role as overdone, proving even DiCaprio can’t always nail it.
Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock’s charm and versatility earned her an Oscar for ‘The Blind Side’, where she brought heart to a tough role. She’s a fan favorite for her work in dramas and comedies alike.
But her Razzie win for Worst Actress in ‘All About Steve’ showed her comedic misstep. Bullock even showed up to accept the award, proving she can laugh at herself.
Halle Berry
Halle Berry made history as the first Black woman to win a Best Actress Oscar for ‘Monster’s Ball’. Her emotional depth and action-star charisma keep her in high demand.
However, her turn in ‘Catwoman’ earned her a Razzie for Worst Actress, with critics slamming the film’s weak script and her over-the-top performance. Berry accepted her Razzie with humor, holding her Oscar in hand.
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks, America’s beloved everyman, won Oscars for ‘Philadelphia’ and ‘Forrest Gump’. His ability to embody heartfelt characters is unmatched.
In 2023, he picked up Razzies for Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Screen Couple for his role as Colonel Tom Parker in ‘Elvis’. Critics found his heavy prosthetics and accent distracting, marking a rare low point.
Al Pacino
Al Pacino’s legendary roles in ‘The Godfather’ and ‘Scarface’ cemented his status as a acting giant. His Oscar win for ‘Scent of a Woman’ showcased his commanding presence.
Still, he won a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor in ‘Jack and Jill’, playing himself in a cringe-worthy cameo. The role was a misfire even for a titan like Pacino.
Eddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy’s comedic genius shone in ‘Coming to America’ and ‘The Nutty Professor’. His Oscar-nominated role in ‘Dreamgirls’ proved his dramatic chops.
But his Razzie haul includes three wins for ‘Norbit’ and Worst Actor of the Decade for films like ‘The Adventures of Pluto Nash’. Murphy’s bold choices sometimes led to critical flops.
Ben Affleck
Ben Affleck’s career spans Oscar wins for writing ‘Good Will Hunting’ and producing ‘Argo’. His acting in films like ‘The Town’ shows his leading-man strength.
Yet, he’s nabbed Razzies for Worst Actor in ‘Daredevil’, ‘Gigli’, and ‘Paycheck’, plus Worst Screen Combo for ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice’. Affleck’s superhero stints didn’t always land.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman’s transformative role in ‘The Hours’ earned her an Oscar, and her work in ‘Moulin Rouge!’ showed her range. She’s a master of complex characters.
Her Razzie for Worst Screen Couple in ‘Bewitched’ came from a lackluster chemistry with Will Ferrell. The film’s sitcom vibe didn’t suit her usual gravitas.
Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando redefined acting with Oscar-winning roles in ‘On the Waterfront’ and ‘The Godfather’. His raw intensity set a new standard for performers.
But his bizarre turn in ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ earned him a Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor. Brando’s eccentric performance couldn’t save the chaotic film.
Laurence Olivier
Laurence Olivier, a titan of stage and screen, won an Oscar for ‘Hamlet’ and earned multiple nominations. His classical training made him a legend.
He still landed Razzies for Worst Supporting Actor in ‘The Jazz Singer’ and Worst Actor in ‘Inchon’. These late-career roles were far from his finest work.
Faye Dunaway
Faye Dunaway’s fierce performances in ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ and ‘Network’ earned her an Oscar and lasting acclaim. She’s known for commanding every scene.
Her Razzie for Worst Actress in ‘Mommie Dearest’ came from an over-the-top portrayal of Joan Crawford. The film’s campy tone didn’t help her case.
Kevin Costner
Kevin Costner’s Oscars for directing and producing ‘Dances with Wolves’ highlight his storytelling prowess. His everyman appeal shines in ‘Field of Dreams’.
But Razzies for Worst Actor in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, ‘Wyatt Earp’, and ‘The Postman’ show his risks didn’t always pay off. Critics found his performances stiff.
Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt’s charisma and Oscar wins for ‘12 Years a Slave’ and ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ make him a Hollywood staple. He excels in diverse roles.
His Razzie for Worst Screen Combo with Tom Cruise in ‘Interview with the Vampire’ came from uneven chemistry. The gothic drama didn’t click for everyone.
Eddie Redmayne
Eddie Redmayne’s Oscar for ‘The Theory of Everything’ showed his ability to embody complex figures. His nuanced work in ‘The Danish Girl’ earned praise.
His Razzie for Worst Supporting Actor in ‘Jupiter Ascending’ stemmed from a hammy villain role. The sci-fi flop didn’t suit his subtle style.
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger’s sultry performance in ‘L.A. Confidential’ won her an Oscar, and her work in ‘9½ Weeks’ showed her allure. She’s a versatile star.
Her Razzie for Worst Supporting Actress in ‘Fifty Shades Darker’ came from a flat role in a poorly received sequel. It was a rare misstep for her.
What’s your take on these A-list stars winning Razzies for their off-the-mark roles—any performances you think deserved or didn’t deserve the shade? Share your thoughts in the comments!