Much like joy, finances, and health, success also ebbs and flows. While the idea of a “flop” is far from new, the word has seen new popularity in recent times since the advent of social media and the proliferation of opinions from everyday consumers of the media. This is to say, none of our favorite actors are exempt from a decline in popularity or brutal reviews.
These select actors below might surprise you given their catalog, but their victory at theAcademy Awardsand theRazziesmight give worthy insight into people’s relationships with success, labor, and prestige. Perhaps seeing Oscar-winning actors with Razzies may serve as a form of inspiration or help deconstruct the myth-making that renders these esteemed institutions as the end-all-be-all.
Here are 10 actors who’ve won both an Oscar and a Razzie.
10Kevin Kline
Oscar for Best Supporting Actor (A Fish Called Wanda); Razzie for Worst Screen Couple (Wild Wild West)
Be it for his stellar performances in films such asA Fish Called Wandaor his current run as “Calvin Fischoeder” inBob’s Burgers,Kevin Klinehas enjoyed a five-decade-long career defined by versatility. However, one ofhis best moviesincludes the aforementionedA Fish Called Wanda,a heist comedy that saw Kline paired with John Cleese, Jamie Lee Curtis, and Michael Palin. The 1988 film would prove to be a captivating adventure, with supporters and critics alike bolstering the film to the top of the box office. For his portrayal of Otto West, Kline took home the award for “Best Supporting Actor”.
The Film Behind the Razzie
Kline would continue to make career strides, but he would also be subject to poor reviews for his involvement inWildWild West. Despite costing Warner Bros. over $170 million (adjusting for inflation), the film only grossed $113 million, domestically, and debuted to harsh reviews. Famed critic Roger Ebert criticizedWildWild Westfor wholly relying on the appealing concept of the story rather than mustering any worthwhile content that would complement the film’s intentions. Kline would win “Worst Screen Couple” alongside Will Smith for their respective portrayals.
9Sofia Coppola
Oscar for Best Original Screenplay (Lost in Translation) & Razzie for Worst Supporting Actress (The Godfather Part III)
Known for works likeThe Virgin SuicidesandPriscilla,Sofia Coppolaemerged as one of the more exciting directors of the 21st Century. Coppola has received numerous nominations from esteemed institutions like the Golden Globes and the Cannes Festival.
Lost in Translation, however, was the film that earned her the Academy Award for “Best Original Screenplay” in 2003. The film follows a disillusioned actor’s (Bill Murray) trip to Tokyo, where he meets another American named Charlotte (Scarlett Johansson). Both the performances and Coppola’s screenwriting would cement the film as a must-see among many cinema connoisseurs.
While Coppola’s directing career is much revered, her acting career has been the subject of criticism. The then-19-year-old took up the mantle of Mary Corleone forThe Godfather: Part III. Coppola delivered aperformance that critics pannedat the time of release, hurling out accusations of her being stiff and unconvincing. Alongside nepotism accusations, Coppola faced the brunt of the negative reception, receiving a Razzie in 1991 for “Worst Supporting Actress.”
8Ben Affleck
Oscars for Best Original Screenplay (Good Will Hunting) and Best Picture (Argo) & Razzies for Worst Actor (Daredevil,Gigli, andPaycheck), Worst Screen Couple (Gigli), and Worst Screen Combo (Batman v Superman)
With films likeGone GirlandArgo,Ben Affleckhas enjoyed an innumerable amount of success. So much so that he has been the recipient of two Oscars. In 1998, he and longtime friend Matt Damon won “Best Original Screenplay” forGood Will Hunting. His other win came from his producing contributions toArgo, a political thriller in which he starred and directed. It was shortlisted for the 2013 Oscars, subsequently winning “Best Picture.” While both films are starkly different, their lasting impression and Affleck’s star power made for an intriguing Oscar night in both years.
The Films Behind the Razzie
Despite his success, Affleck has also received a series of harsh reviews for some of his performances. With four Razzies under his belt, Affleck would be reprimanded by critics for his contributions to films likeBatman v. Superman, Gigli,andDaredevil.These three films were derided for their lack of quality writing and direction, withGiglibeing panned in part due to Affleck and Jennifer Lopez’s romance.
7Nicole Kidman
Oscar for Best Actress (The Hours) & Razzie for Worst Onscreen Couple (Bewitched)
Nicole Kidmanis a beloved actress whose talents made the entire world fall in love with her. Her international breakthrough would come with the filmsBatman ForeverandTo Die For,the latter being a critical darling at the time of its release. Since then, she has graced our screens with exhilarating performances as Celeste Wright, (Big Little Lies), Nancy Eamons (Boy Erased),and the satisfied movie-goer on behalf of AMC. Her skills would earn her five Academy Award nominations, with one “Best Acress” win for her portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the 2002 psychological dramaThe Hours.
In 2006, however, Kidman would star in the romantic comedyBewitchedalongside Will Ferrell. The film chronicles the enlightening experience of one Jack Wyatt (Ferrell), an egotistical actor who plays a prominent role in crafting the remake of the 60s sitcom. Hiring an unknown actress named Isabel Bigelow (Kidman), Wyatt soon realizes that his new castmate is actually a witch. In spite of the film hosting an ensemble cast and providing audiences with an interesting set-up,Bewitchedwas seen as a directionless piece that doesn’t live up to its potential. For “Worst Onscreen Couple,” Ferrell and Kidman won that year.
Related:Nicole Kidman’s 10 Best Movies, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
6Kevin Costner
Oscars for Best Picture and Best Director (Dances with Wolves) & Razzies for Worst Actor (Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,Wyatt Earp, andThe Postman)
FromThe BodyguardtoDances with Wolves,Kevin Costnerhas enjoyed an illustrious career in film. Costner has gifted fans with great films, among other endeavors like music and writing. For his work inDances with Wolves,Costner was honored with two Academy Awards in 1990, for “Best Picture” and “Best Director.” The classic film follows Lieutenant John J. Dunbar (Costner), a member of the Union Army, who comes into contact with a Lakota tribe and follows his transformative experience.
Despite his resounding success, Costner would also receive a slew of Razzie nominations, winning “Worst Actor” thrice, in 1992, 1995, and 1998 forRobin Hood: Prince of Thieves,Wyatt Earp,andThe Postman, respectively. While the former received average reviews, Costner’s lack of a credible English accent was criticized by many. Moreover,Wyatt Earpwas largely seen as a letdown due to the length as well as the failure to capture the film’s namesake.
Finally,The Postmansaw middling reviews from critics, who found everything, from the performances to Costner’s casting, to be detrimental to the overall film. Despite earning a total of six Razzies, Costner continues to see a lot of success, especially in his latest offering,Yellowstone.
5Al Pacino
Oscar for Best Actor (Scent of a Woman) & Worst Supporting Actor (Jack and Jill)
Al Pacinohas enjoyed decades of success, whether it be for iconic roles like Tony Montana inScarfaceand Michael Corleone inThe Godfather. However, this success at the Academy Awards wouldn’t come until 1993, following the release ofScent of a Woman. A remake of the commedia all’italianaProfumo di donna, the film finds scholarship student Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell) forming an unlikely yet heartwarming bond with retired Lt. Colonel Frank Slade (Pacino).
Venturing toNew York City, Frank reveals his four important goals he must accomplish before completing his trip on a rather somber note. The sentimental film was compelling enough to top the box office and bring Pacino his first Oscar for “Best Actor” in 1992.
Pacino would also suffer the brunt of bad reviews for works he has been involved in. A truly inevitable moment, Pacino’s time came after he starred in a comedy filmJack and Jillas himself. The film follows the titular twins, Jack and Jill Sadelstein, both portrayed by Adam Sandler, as they attempt to woo Al Pacino himself for the sake of a successful Dunkin' Donuts campaign.
Jack and Jillwas immediately panned on release, receiving a record-breaking number of Razzie nominations. For his contribution, Pacino received “Worst Supporting Actor,” which he was reportedly not proud of.
Related:Best Al Pacino Movies, Ranked
4Halle Berry
Halle Berrycontinues to enjoy an illustrious career that puts her in a position like none other. Widely beloved for roles such as Catwomanand Dorothy Dandridge, the actress wouldn’t receive her first Academy Award until 2001 forMonster’s Ball. Making history as the first, and so far only, African American actress to win in the “Best Actress” category, the film was lauded for its intriguing plot and stellar performances among the leading cast.
Nevertheless, that did not prevent her from also receiving a Razzie nomination for her contributions to the controversial rendition ofCatwoman. The 2004 film — or more so, Berry’s portrayal — can be seen everywhere online from Tumblr to Pinterest. However, the film was critically panned, with some even claiming that Berry should have her Oscar returned for the weak characterization and consequential performance, deemed by many to be underwhelming at best.
3Marlon Brando
Oscars for Best Actor (On the Waterfront,The Godfather) & Razzie for Worst Actor (The Formula)
Marlon Brandois undeniably a Hollywood legend. By taking a peek intohis extensive film career, one can’t help but notice how distinguishable his roles are. Watching him lose himself in his roles is quite fascinating. Said talent earned him not one but two Academy Awards for Best Actor, in 1955 and 1973, for the crime dramaOn the WaterfrontandThe Godfather, respectively.
Nonetheless, someone as highly decorated as Brando could escape the wrath of the Golden Raspberry Awards. Portraying the wealthy Adam Steiffel in the 1981 film,The Formula, Brando leads audiences throughout the film, running into particularly close calls and hidden truths revealed about the formula and its enticing abilities. Despite the intriguing synopsis, the film was lambasted by critics who disregarded the film as bleak and overdone, resulting in Brando being nominated and winning the “Worst Actor” Award at the 1981 Razzies.
2Liza Minnelli
Oscar for Best Actress (Cabaret) & Razzie for Worst Actress (Rent-a-Cop)
With films under her belt likeCabaret,and a coveted album like 1973’sThe Singer,Liza Minnelliwould receive numerous awards, culminating in her current reputation as one of the elite EGOT winners throughout history. Many would cite the triple-threat’s starring role as Sally Bowls inCabaretas the peak of her career. Not only would the film earn her the Academy Award for Best Actress, but it would be regarded by many as one of the best films of all time. AlongsideThe Sterile CuckooandArthur,as well as a role inArrested Development,Minnelli would be cemented as a living icon.
Despite her successful run, Minnelli would also have her fair share of unappreciated roles. One of those would be the ill-fatedRent-a-Cop, an American thriller that premiered in 1987. While the film sounded intriguing on the surface, the film was a massive bomb, commercially and critically. Disgruntled viewers have highlighted director Jerry London’s creative choices and the underwhelming performances of both leads as the reason why the film was met with negative reviews and nominated for several Razzies, with Minnelli winning “Worst Actress”.
Oscar for Best Original Song Score (Purple Rain) & Razzies for Worst Director and Worst Actor (Under the Cherry Moon)
WhilePrinceis known for his eclectic discography, his array of talents extends to playing instruments and, in this case, acting. InPurple Rain, Prince portrays The Kid, an aspiring musician who seeks to escape a life rife with abuse and pain in favor of one of free expression and genuine affirmation. With his band, The Revolution, The Kid becomes embroiled in a toxic feud with his girlfriend Apollonia (Apollonia Kotero) and her girl group Apollonia 6, which quickly turns ugly. Appreciated for its weaving of music and film into one enthralling medium, the film would win the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
Though he was ultimately a greatsinger who became a great actor, Prince’s tenure in film would be far from spotless.Under the Cherry Moonsees the star portraying Christopher Tracey, a “gigolo” who works alongside Tricky (Jerome Benton). Despite his goodwill followingPurple Rain, the film would underperform and Prince would earn a Golden Raspberry for both “Worst Actor” and “Worst Director,” whileUnder the Cherry Moonwould go home with the “Worst Picture” Award.
