The annual Razzie Awards, known for spotlighting the most disappointing cinematic efforts of the year, have announced their 2025 nominations—and two high-profile releases have emerged as the biggest talking points. ‘War of the Worlds’ and Disney’s ‘Snow White’ have tied for the most nominations this year, earning six Razzie nods each, placing them firmly at the center of this year’s debate around big-budget filmmaking and creative misfires.
The Razzies, formally called the Golden Raspberry Awards, are traditionally revealed just weeks before the Oscars and serve as a tongue-in-cheek counterbalance to Hollywood’s biggest celebrations. This year’s list once again proves that star power and studio backing don’t always guarantee critical success.
Blockbuster Ambitions, Razzie Reality
Both War of the Worlds and Snow White were released with enormous expectations. One aimed to reintroduce a classic sci-fi invasion story for a modern audience, while the other attempted to reinvent a beloved fairy tale for a new generation. Despite aggressive marketing and familiar names attached, critics and audiences alike found several aspects of these films lacking.
Their shared nominations for Worst Picture and Worst Remake underline a recurring issue in contemporary cinema: revisiting known intellectual property without delivering a fresh or compelling vision.
‘War of the Worlds’: A Sci-Fi Reboot Under Fire
War of the Worlds leads the controversy with nominations that extend well beyond Worst Picture. Ice Cube’s performance earned a Worst Actor nod, while the film’s technical approach was also mocked with a nomination for Worst Screen Combo, specifically citing Ice Cube and his Zoom camera—a detail that quickly became a talking point online.
Director Rich Lee received a nomination for Worst Director, highlighting criticism around the film’s execution and tonal inconsistencies. Meanwhile, screenwriters Kenny Golde and Marc Hyman were called out in the Worst Screenplay category, suggesting that the story adaptation failed to modernize the source material in a meaningful way.
What was expected to be a tense, updated sci-fi experience instead became an example frequently cited in discussions about rushed remakes and overreliance on digital storytelling shortcuts.
‘Snow White’: A Fairy Tale That Failed to Enchant
Disney’s Snow White remake also found itself in Razzie territory, despite attempts to reimagine the classic story with contemporary themes. The film picked up nominations for Worst Supporting Actor, controversially awarded to all seven “artificial” dwarfs—a decision that sparked widespread debate about CGI usage and creative choices.
The film also earned a Worst Screen Combo nomination for Snow White and the dwarfs, further emphasizing criticism around character dynamics and visual presentation. Director Marc Webb was nominated for Worst Director, while Erin Cressida Wilson received a nod for Worst Screenplay, signaling that storytelling issues extended beyond just visual effects.
For a studio known for its live-action remakes, Snow White’s performance reignited questions about whether nostalgia-driven adaptations have reached a creative saturation point.
Other Contenders for Worst Picture
While War of the Worlds and Snow White lead the nominations, they are not alone. Other films competing for Worst Picture include:
- The Electric State
- Hurry Up Tomorrow
- Star Trek: Section 31
Each of these titles faced criticism for different reasons, ranging from weak scripts and tonal confusion to underwhelming performances and franchise fatigue.
Hurry Up Tomorrow and Star Trek: Section 31 followed closely behind the leaders, earning five nominations each, while The Electric State secured three nods, proving that even visually ambitious projects are not immune to Razzie scrutiny.
Worst Actor and Actress Categories: Big Names, Bigger Scrutiny
The Worst Actor category features several high-profile names:
- Dave Bautista – In The Lost Lands
- Scott Eastwood – Alarum
- Jared Leto – Tron: Ares
- Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye – Hurry Up Tomorrow
These nominations highlight how star casting alone cannot compensate for weak writing or poor direction.
On the Worst Actress shortlist are:
- Ariana DeBose – Love Hurts
- Milla Jovovich – In The Lost Lands
- Natalie Portman – Fountain of Youth
- Rebel Wilson – Bride Hard
- Michelle Yeoh – Star Trek: Section 31
Many of these actors are Academy Award winners or respected industry veterans, making their inclusion all the more surprising—and a reminder of how even celebrated performers can stumble when the material doesn’t support them.
When Will the “Winners” Be Announced?
The Razzie “winners” will be revealed during a ceremony scheduled for March 14, just one day before the Academy Awards. While the event is often playful in tone, it has increasingly sparked serious conversations about industry trends, creative risks, and the pressure to continuously reboot familiar franchises.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Razzie nominations serve as a cautionary tale for Hollywood. As studios continue to mine existing IPs for new content, audiences are clearly demanding more than just recognizable titles. Whether it’s War of the Worlds or Snow White, the message is loud and clear: nostalgia alone is no longer enough.
As the ceremony approaches, it remains to be seen which films will walk away with the infamous trophies—but one thing is certain: this year’s Razzies have once again captured the industry’s attention.