What are the Razzies?

The Oscars celebrates the best of the movie industry—acting, editing, directing—but the Golden Raspberry awards celebrate the worst.

“The Razzies’ as they are affectionately called was established in 1981 by John J.B. Wilson, a copywriter. This cheeky tribute has gotten cult following, that even the celebs play along. Halle Berry, for example, actually attended the awards ceremony to receive a Worst Acting award for her role as Catwoman. Read more about the ‘anti-Oscars’ of the film industry.

Wilson (along with millions of other people around the world) used to throw a fun, informal Oscar party in his home with friends. They would watch the show, and give their own random awards for the stupidest, lamest, and ‘WTF?!’ movie moments of the year.

Then, he decided to make the awards night official, starting with ‘Can’t Stop the Music’ as the first Razzies award for Worst Picture. He sent a release to the newspapers (with a photo of him at a cardboard podium, in a tacky suit and holding a fake microphone) which a few local newspapers picked up. Every year, more and more newspapers featured the event (partially because most of them were ready to air any movie-related story in the marketing build-up towards the actual Oscar night). By the third year, the story was picked up by CNN.

After 30 years, the Razzies has grown—covered by journalists from all over the world, and its own voting bloc with members from 20 countries. There is as much anticipation for the winners (or losers, whichever way you choose to see it). It is usually held the night before the Oscars, and winners are given a golf-ball sized raspberry trophy spray-painted in a garish gold. The trophy costs approximately $5.
Categories include worst actor/actresses and supporting actress, worst screen couple, worst screenplay, worst director, worst picture, worst remake or sequel. It also has special categories, such as ‘worst disregard for human life and property’ and ‘worst eye-gouging mis-use of 3D.’ A lifetime ‘achievement’ award was given to Ronald Reagan, Linda Blair, and even the rubber shark from the movie Jaws.
The Golden Raspberry Awards has become part of Hollywood pop culture.

Photo from hollywood.com