Coronavirus (COVID-19) may be shutting down countless entertainment and sports events, but even the pandemic can't stop the Golden Raspberry Awards, aka the Razzies, from choosing the worst of the worst for 2019.
Universal Pictures' notorious 2019 musical adaptation Cats dominated the 40th Annual Razzies, netting six wins, including Worst Picture, Worst Screenplay, Worst Director (Tom Hooper), Worst Supporting Actor (James Corden), Worst Supporting Actress (Rebel Wilson) and Worst Screen Combo (for "any two half-feline/half-human hairballs").
Although plans for the Razzies being presented live and on digital streaming in Los Angeles were canceled due to coronavirus, the winners were still publicly announced March 16.
Cats is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, which was especially noted in the wider culture for its unusually long runs in New York City and London. The movie was derided for getting a CGI update after its theatrical release and instantly fizzled with audiences, costing Universal an estimated $71-$100 million. The film also earned a 32/100 score from Metacritic and a grade of C+ from CinemaScore.
Although no movie on the Razzies' 2019 docket could rival Cats in the recognition it received, there were other esteemed winners. John Travolta won Worst Actor for his roles in two movies, Trading Paint and The Fanatic; Hilary Duff was named Worst Actress for starring in the controversial low-budget horror movie The Haunting of Sharon Tate; and the belated fourth addition to the Rambo franchise Rambo: Last Blood was victorious in two categories, Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel and Worst Reckless Disregard for Human Life and Public Property.
The Razzies were established in 1981 as an informal, post-Academy Awards gathering hosted by publicist John J.B. Wilson. Winners are voted upon by members of the Golden Raspberry Foundation.