Oh, how the mighty have fallen!
We can’t recall the last time a sequel to a Best Picture-nominated movie (Oscars) received a Razzie nomination for Worst Picture. Yet, Joker: Folie à Deux has managed to achieve this bizarre feat!
Joker: Folie à Deux is leading this year’s Razzie Awards with a total of seven nominations, including Worst Picture, Worst Actor (Joaquin Phoenix), and Worst Actress (Lady Gaga).
This situation becomes even more intriguing when considering Phoenix’s phenomenal Best Actor win at the 92nd Academy Awards for the first Joker movie, a masterpiece that quickly became a cultural phenomenon after its release.
Phoenix delivered what many consider his career-best performance in Joker (2019). The film excelled in cinematography, score, and production design. Not only did it challenge conventional superhero narratives, but it also sparked intense discussions about mental health, societal inequality, and the role of art in reflecting—and potentially influencing—real-world events.
Joker also earned a record-breaking 11 nominations at the 92nd Oscars and grossed over $1 billion during its theatrical run.
Five years later, we got Joker: Folie à Deux! Despite all the hype and fan support, the movie somehow managed to disappoint spectacularly.
One of the biggest issues with the film is its excessive focus on Arthur Fleck’s side of the story. Yes, Arthur is the protagonist, but the movie is literally titled Joker. Folie à Deux takes place two years after the events of the first film, yet Arthur still hasn’t fully embraced the Joker persona—which is baffling!
Then there’s the wasted potential of Lady Gaga, whose talents were underutilised by director Todd Phillips. This misstep earned her a nomination for Worst Actress at this year’s Razzies. On top of that, the movie’s story was poorly conceived. Why spend $200 million on a sequel that’s essentially a messy mix of courtroom drama, unremarkable songs, and a few misaligned but visually creative sequences?
Joker: Folie à Deux isn’t the only superhero film to stain the genre at this year’s Razzies. Sony also contributed with Madame Web (six nominations) and Kraven the Hunter (three nominations).
In addition to Madame Web, other films like Borderlands, Megalopolis, and Reagan each received six nominations, as revealed on Tuesday. Unfrosted secured four nominations, while The Crow garnered two. The winners will be announced via video press release on March 1st, the day before the Oscars. Stay tuned for more updates!