Hollywood's Best And Worst: Actors Who Won Both An Oscar And A Razzie

Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt has enjoyed a career filled with iconic roles and critical acclaim, with one of his biggest career achievements being his Oscar win for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019). However, his journey to fame wasn't without its missteps. Pitt won a Razzie Award for his role in Interview with the Vampire, a film based on Anne Rice's popular novel. Critics found his portrayal of the vampire Louis somewhat wooden, despite the film's overall success. Despite this early criticism, Brad Pitt turned his career around, eventually earning his Oscar for Once Upon a Time in Hollywood for his stellar performance as the laid-back stuntman Cliff Booth. His enduring career as one of Hollywood's A-listers proves that even a Razzie can’t keep a talented actor down. | © Warner Bros

Joaquin Phoenix

Joaquin Phoenix, known for his powerful performances, continues to be one of the most respected actors of his generation. He earned an Oscar for his chilling portrayal of Arthur Fleck in Joker, which explored the origins of the infamous Batman villain. His role earned him global recognition and an Academy Award for Best Actor. However, his role in Joker: Folie à Deux, the much-anticipated sequel, has already made waves with mixed early reactions. Though the movie hasn't yet won a Razzie, it's important to consider how critics will assess the performance in the context of such a high-profile follow-up. Joaquin Phoenix's commitment to deeply emotional and often intense roles continues to be his hallmark. | © Warner Bros.

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga, a global pop icon, took Hollywood by storm with her acting talent in A Star is Born, which earned her an Oscar for Best Original Song with "Shallow." However, her acting career has also included moments where the critics were less kind. She is set to star in Joker: Folie à Deux, playing Harley Quinn, a role that has already garnered significant attention. Although she hasn’t received a Razzie yet, her performances in other films, like House of Gucci, where she was criticized for her over-the-top portrayal, have sparked debates about her acting range. Still, Lady Gaga’s immense popularity and vocal talent have made her a true star, and her upcoming role in Joker: Folie à Deux is eagerly anticipated by fans and critics alike. | © Warner Bros.

Leonardo DiCaprio

Leonardo DiCaprio, often considered one of the finest actors of his generation, secured an Oscar for his gripping performance in The Revenant. However, his earlier career included films that weren't as critically acclaimed, including The Man in the Iron Mask, where DiCaprio played the dual role of the king and his imprisoned twin brother. While the film was successful commercially, his performance in this period piece earned him a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor. Despite such early setbacks, DiCaprio’s persistence in taking on complex and challenging roles has paid off, with his Oscar win solidifying his place as one of the industry's top actors. | © Columbia Pictures

Marlon Brando

Marlon Brando, one of Hollywood’s most legendary actors, won two Oscars during his illustrious career, including one for On the Waterfront and another for The Godfather. However, even Brando had his moments of cinematic missteps. In 1996, he starred in The Island of Dr. Moreau, a critically panned film where his eccentric behavior on set and over-the-top performance led to a Razzie win for Worst Supporting Actor. Despite this, Brando’s career remains iconic, with his groundbreaking performances and influence on acting still celebrated today. His role in The Godfather remains a definitive moment in film history, cementing his legacy in Hollywood. | © New Line Cinema

Al Pacino

Al Pacino, one of the most celebrated actors in Hollywood, has had a career that spans decades with numerous iconic roles, including his Oscar-winning performance in Scent of a Woman. However, not every project in his filmography has been met with acclaim. In 2011, Pacino took on a highly criticized role in Jack and Jill, where he played himself in a bizarre and over-the-top comedic performance. This led to a Razzie win for Worst Supporting Actor. Despite this misstep, Pacino’s incredible body of work, including roles in The Godfather trilogy and Dog Day Afternoon, has cemented him as one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. | © Columbia Pictures

Halle Berry

Halle Berry achieved the pinnacle of success with her Oscar-winning performance in Monster's Ball. However, her career took a significant downturn when she starred in Catwoman in 2004. The film, widely panned for its weak plot and poor special effects, earned Berry a Razzie Award for Worst Actress. Her willingness to embrace the character of the iconic DC villain despite its many flaws has since become a part of Hollywood lore. Despite Catwoman’s failure, Halle Berry has continued to prove her acting chops with roles in Cloud Atlas and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. | © Warner Bros.

Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman’s career has been filled with both extraordinary performances and some notable missteps. Her Oscar win for The Hours in 2003 showcased her range and ability to portray complex characters. However, her role in Bewitched (2005), a big-screen adaptation of the beloved TV series, was met with much criticism. Kidman’s portrayal of Samantha, a modern-day witch, failed to resonate with audiences, leading to a Razzie nomination for Worst Actress. Despite this setback, Kidman’s incredible body of work, including roles in Moulin Rouge! and The Others, proves her enduring talent and versatility. | © Columbia Pictures

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock is one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, known for her work in films like Gravity and The Blind Side, for which she won an Oscar. However, in 2009, Bullock found herself at the receiving end of a Razzie for All About Steve, a romantic comedy that failed to connect with both critics and audiences. Despite the backlash from the film, Bullock’s career has not been derailed. In fact, she embraced the Razzie humorously and went on to have a highly successful career, including hits like The Heat and Bird Box. Her ability to balance both comedic and dramatic roles has solidified her place in Hollywood. | © 20th Century Fox

Mel Gibson

Mel Gibson, known for his intense performances and strong directorial work, won two Oscars for Braveheart (Best Director and Best Picture). However, his career has also faced challenges, including the backlash from his Razzie win for The Expendables 3 (2014). Despite the film being a commercial hit, Gibson’s performance as a villainous mercenary in the action-packed sequel didn’t impress critics, leading to his Razzie recognition. Nevertheless, Gibson’s legacy in Hollywood is secure thanks to his roles in Lethal Weapon, Mad Max, and his work behind the camera, particularly with The Passion of the Christ. | © Lionsgate

Kevin Costner

Kevin Costner’s career has seen both tremendous highs and notable lows. He won an Oscar for Best Director and Best Picture for Dances with Wolves (1990), solidifying his place as a leading figure in Hollywood. However, his role in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991) earned him a Razzie nomination for Worst Actor. Despite the film's success at the box office, Costner’s English accent and portrayal of the legendary hero were widely criticized. Nevertheless, Costner’s career rebounded, with further successful projects such as The Bodyguard and Open Range. His commitment to diverse roles has kept him a relevant actor for decades. | © Warner Bros.

Faye Dunaway

Faye Dunaway’s Oscar-winning performance in Network (1976) remains a highlight of her distinguished career, showcasing her ability to embody complex, powerful women. However, her portrayal of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest (1981) became infamous for its over-the-top dramatization, earning her a Razzie for Worst Actress. The film’s cult following and Dunaway's now-iconic line delivery turned her portrayal into a piece of cinematic history, though it was widely panned at the time. Despite the Razzie, Dunaway remains an iconic figure in Hollywood, with roles in Chinatown and Bonnie and Clyde securing her place as one of the greatest actresses of her generation. | © Paramount Pictures

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne won an Academy Award for his moving performance as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything (2014). However, his portrayal of a character in Jupiter Ascending (2015), where he played the villainous Balem Abrasax, earned him a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor. Critics found his performance to be over-the-top and lacking in depth, despite the film's ambitious world-building and visual effects. While Jupiter Ascending didn't land well with audiences, Redmayne’s Oscar win proves that he has the acting range and ability to tackle complex roles, and he has since starred in projects like Fantastic Beasts that continue to show his versatility. | © Warner Bros.

Ben Affleck

Ben Affleck’s career is a fascinating mixture of critical success and infamous missteps. He won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Good Will Hunting (1997), alongside Matt Damon. However, his portrayal of Batman in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016) garnered significant criticism, leading to a Razzie nomination for Worst Actor. Despite the backlash to his role, Affleck's acting career continued to thrive, especially with his later work as both an actor and director in films like Argo, which earned him another Oscar for Best Picture. Ben Affleck’s ability to overcome early setbacks and prove his worth in both front and behind-the-camera roles has solidified his place in Hollywood. | © Warner Bros.

Kevin Kline

Kevin Kline is an actor whose range spans from serious roles to more comedic performances, with an Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actor in A Fish Called Wanda (1988). His role in Wild Wild West (1999) earned him a Razzie Award for Worst Supporting Actor, as critics found his performance lacking compared to his past work. Despite this, Kline’s career includes many notable films, including his Oscar-winning performance. Wild Wild West had an ensemble cast with Will Smith and Kenneth Branagh, but it failed to make a significant impact at the box office. Nonetheless, Kline remains a celebrated actor with a career full of both hits and misses. | © Warner Bros.

Roberto Benigni

Roberto Benigni made history with his heartfelt and charming performance in Life Is Beautiful (1997), winning an Academy Award for Best Actor. His portrayal of a Jewish father protecting his son in a concentration camp became an iconic moment in cinema. However, his role in Pinocchio (2002), a live-action adaptation of the beloved tale, earned him a Razzie nomination for Worst Actor. The film was widely panned for its lackluster special effects and Benigni’s exaggerated performance. Despite the critical failure of Pinocchio, Benigni remains a beloved figure in Italian cinema, and his Oscar win continues to stand as a testament to his talent and ability to bring heart to his roles. | © Columbia Pictures

Liza Minnelli

Liza Minnelli, the daughter of Hollywood legend Judy Garland, earned an Oscar for her performance in Cabaret (1972), a role that cemented her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. However, her role in Arthur 2: On the Rocks (1988), the sequel to the popular comedy Arthur, earned her a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actress. The film, which failed to capture the charm of its predecessor, was a critical disappointment, and Minnelli’s performance was seen as lacking the energy and wit that had made her a star. Despite this setback, Minnelli’s legacy in both film and music remains strong, with her Oscar win for Cabaret continuing to be a defining achievement in her illustrious career. | © Warner Bros.

Kim Basinger

Kim Basinger, known for her sultry beauty and strong performances, won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in L.A. Confidential (1997), a gritty crime thriller. However, her involvement in Fifty Shades of Grey (2015) sparked controversy and was met with criticism. While her role as the mother of Anastasia Steele was relatively minor, the film itself, based on the best-selling erotic novel, received harsh reviews for its lack of depth and portrayal of relationships. Kim Basinger’s involvement in Fifty Shades led to her receiving a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actress, but her Oscar win and strong performances in films like The Natural and Batman ensure her lasting legacy in Hollywood. | © Universal Pictures

Jared Leto

Jared Leto, a multifaceted artist, won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Rayon, a transgender woman with HIV, in Dallas Buyers Club (2013). Leto’s performance was widely praised, and he took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. However, his role in House of Gucci (2021), where he played the over-the-top and eccentric Paolo Gucci, earned him a Razzie nomination for Worst Supporting Actor. Critics found his portrayal to be excessive and distracting, which led to mixed reactions. Despite the backlash, Leto’s career remains diverse, with other standout performances in Requiem for a Dream and The Suicide Squad continuing to showcase his range as both an actor and musician. | © Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Prince

Prince, the legendary musician, was also a movie star in the 1980s, most famously for his starring role in Purple Rain (1984), which earned him both critical acclaim and a Grammy Award. However, his follow-up film, Under the Cherry Moon (1986), was a critical failure and earned him a Razzie for Worst Actor. Critics found the film’s plot lackluster and Prince’s performance to be unconvincing. Despite the disappointment of Under the Cherry Moon, Prince’s influence on music and film is undeniable, with Purple Rain remaining a classic in both sound and vision. His ability to combine artistry in music and film continues to define his legacy as a cultural icon. | © Warner Bros.