As the 2026 Golden Raspberry Awards prepare for their annual ceremony on March 14, 2026, co-creator Mo Murphy shares behind-the-scenes insights into the often-maligned event. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Murphy discussed the process of organizing the awards show, from selecting venues to the selection of nominees for various categories.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, commonly known as the Razzies, were founded in 1981 by publicist J.B. Wilson. The inspiration struck after Wilson was disappointed by a double feature of *Can’t Stop the Music* and *Xanadu*, leading him to create a platform that humorously critiques the film industry. Murphy emphasizes that although the Razzies celebrate the “worst” in cinema, the event is rooted in a more profound mission: to show the humanity behind celebrity.
“Our mission is to bring humanity to celebrity,” Murphy explained. “We all make mistakes, and if we own it, the audience relates and celebrates with us.” This perspective has fostered a unique atmosphere around the awards, which attracts a diverse voting pool.
Anyone can join the Razzies voting committee by paying $40 in dues, contributing to a membership that has grown to approximately 1,200 voters. This number is notably six times larger than the voting body for the Golden Globes. The Razzies aim to ensure that no film or actor is exempt from scrutiny, regardless of box-office success.
Notably, the film *Fifty Shades of Grey* remains a prime example of this philosophy. Despite grossing over $570 million worldwide, the film received six nominations at the 2016 Razzies, ultimately winning five awards. Its sequel, *Fifty Shades Darker*, followed suit with nine nominations in 2018 and secured two wins.
Murphy also highlighted the lighthearted nature of the event, stating that many nominees embrace their Razzies. Sandra Bullock, for instance, attended the ceremony in 2011 to personally accept her awards for *All About Steve*, bringing a wagon of DVDs to encourage the audience to revisit the film. Similarly, Judi Dench expressed her delight upon receiving a nomination for her role in *Cats*, a movie she reportedly hadn’t watched.
The Razzies have garnered mixed reactions from Hollywood. While many nominees and winners appreciate the humor, some have chosen to skip the ceremony. Murphy suspects that Adam Sandler opted for a family trip to Disney World instead of accepting his awards for *Jack & Jill*. Yet, Murphy reassures that “most winners actually do have fun” with the acknowledgment of their cinematic misadventures.
The upcoming 46th Razzie Awards will be streamed on YouTube, continuing the show’s tradition of contrasting the glitz of the Oscars with a more irreverent approach. The team deliberately selects venues that reflect this contrast, adding to the event’s charm.
The Razzies have also made headlines for their evolving policies, such as raising the age minimum for nominees to 18 after rescinding the nomination of Ryan Kiera Armstrong, a 12-year-old actress from *Firestarter*, in 2023. This decision reflects a commitment to ensuring that the awards recognize the realities of the film industry.
As the date approaches, anticipation builds around the Razzies, which promise to blend humor with a critical lens on Hollywood’s missteps. With Murphy at the helm, the awards continue to serve as a reminder that even the most celebrated stars can have their off moments, and perhaps, that’s worth celebrating in its own right.