As the countdown begins for the 2026 Golden Raspberry Awards, co-creator Mo Murphy offers an exclusive glimpse into the inner workings of this unique awards ceremony. Set to air on March 14, 2026, the Razzies, known for honoring the worst in film, have a rich history that Murphy passionately recounts during her conversation with Us Weekly.
The Razzies originated in the early 1980s when publicist J.B. Wilson attended a double feature of *Can’t Stop the Music* and *Xanadu*. Disappointed with the films, he and Murphy decided to launch the first Golden Raspberry Awards in 1981. While the event is designed to highlight cinematic failures, Murphy emphasizes that its mission extends beyond mere criticism. “Our mission is to bring humanity to celebrity,” she states. “We all make mistakes (look at us), and if we own it, the audience relates and celebrates with us.”
The process of selecting nominees is notably democratic. Anyone who pays $40 in dues can join the Razzies voting committee, which consists of approximately 1,200 members. This voting body is significantly larger than that of the Golden Globes, allowing for a diverse range of opinions. Notably, box office success does not guarantee immunity from nomination; for example, *Fifty Shades of Grey*, which grossed over $570 million globally, won five Razzies in 2016.
Murphy insists that many nominees embrace the spirit of the awards. Renowned actress Judi Dench expressed her delight at being nominated for her role in *Cats*, despite her not having watched the film. Similarly, Sandra Bullock famously attended the ceremony in 2011 to accept her awards for *All About Steve*, bringing with her a wagon of DVDs to encourage the audience to rewatch the film.
The Razzies are known for their playful approach to award ceremonies, deliberately choosing tacky venues to contrast with the glamour of the Oscars. While some nominees may feel disappointment when they do not win, Murphy notes that “most winners actually do have fun.” In an interesting anecdote, actor David Eigenberg created a home movie celebrating his Razzie win for *Sex and the City 2*, despite his limited screen time.
As the awards show approaches, anticipation builds around the event’s quirky traditions and memorable moments. Jamie Dornan, who won for *Fifty Shades of Grey*, humorously claimed he wanted to attend the Razzies but never received an invitation. In contrast, Dakota Johnson, his co-star, requested to have her Razzies sent to her, showcasing the lighthearted nature that often surrounds the ceremony.
The Razzies have also faced their share of controversies. In recent years, the awards rescinded nominations for Ryan Kiera Armstrong due to her young age and for Bruce Willis following his aphasia diagnosis. Murphy recalls a time when Donald Trump did not collect his Worst Supporting Actor Razzie for *Ghosts Can’t Do It*, and the team even sold Ben Affleck’s Razzie from *Gigli* on eBay to cover venue costs.
As the 46th Razzie Awards draw near, the event continues to spark interest and conversation within the film community. With a commitment to celebrating the lighter side of Hollywood, Murphy and her team remain dedicated to their mission of bringing humor and humanity to the often serious world of celebrity.
