The Golden Raspberry Awards, also known as the Razzies, has criticised the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for introducing a popular film category to the Oscars. In an open letter on Sunday, the organisation that conducts the mock awards to recognise the worst in filmmaking wrote that the Oscars were “lowering themselves to ‘honor’ popular fare just to get more eyeballs”, which would not be “conducive to their brand”.
“The Razzies don’t always get it right. We get called on it. We usually ignore it because well – who takes the Razzies seriously?” the letter read. “But seriously we’re not the Oscars. The Oscars are not the low-brow $4.97 statuette that reminds otherwise good talent they done bad or the talent-free they done made too much money.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on August 8 announced major changes to the format of the Oscar ceremony, including a shorter telecast, an Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film category, and an earlier air date from 2020. The Razzies, instituted by John JB Wilson and Mo Murphy in 1981, are held every year on the eve of Academy Awards ceremony.
The open letter contended that people rely on the Academy Awards to highlight good work. “Everyone depends on Oscar to point out the good stuff that might not otherwise be seen,” it read. “We sift through bottom-of-the-barrel mindless popular and sometimes unpopular entertainment. The Razzies invite the “dis-honored’ to humble themselves and “own their bad.” That’s our job.”
The letter concludes: “So a tip to our older more distinguished bald brother: You are our inspiration – don’t fail us now. The Razzies are co-dependent on Oscar. If you are devalued – so are we.”