The former mayor of New York, Rudy Giuliani, has been awarded a Razzie for one of the year’s worst performances for his unwitting appearance in Sacha Baron Cohen’s sequel to Borat.
The Golden Raspberry Awards, colloquially known as Razzies, are an annual prize for Hollywood’s lowlights, taking place the day before the lavish Oscars ceremony.
Donald Trump’s personal attorney was named worst supporting actor for his role in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm, an appearance which dealt a further blow to Giuliani’s reputation.
In one scene in the mockumentary, Giuliani is seen reaching into his trousers while reclining on a bed in the presence of the actor playing Borat’s daughter, who is posing as a TV journalist. Giuliani has said nothing inappropriate happened and that he was just tucking in his shirt.
The footage also earned the former mayor a second prize – award for worst screen combo, which went to him and “his pants zipper”.
Elsewhere, voters awarded the controversial film Music, directed by the Australian singer-songwriter Sia, a leading three prizes at the ceremony for industry flops, which has taken place each year since 1980.
Sia came under fire for the film and its depiction of autism, with criticism surrounding its portrayal of a nonverbal autistic person, played by Maddie Ziegler, who is neurotypical. Sia has since apologised for the movie’s portrayal, which included scenes featuring the use of restraints on autistic people.
Music won worst actress for Kate Hudson, worst supporting actress for Maddie Ziegler and worst director for Sia. Somewhat surprisingly, the film has also been nominated for two Golden Globe awards.
Apologising earlier this year for the way the movie presented autism, Sia said the film will now be preceded with a warning that reads: “Music in no way condones or recommends the use of restraint on autistic people. There are autistic occupational therapists that specialise in sensory processing who can be consulted to explain safe ways to provide proprioceptive, deep-pressure feedback to help with meltdown safety.”
As well as Giuliani’s cameo, another prominent Trump supporter, American pillow magnate Mike Lindell, also featured in the ceremony on Saturday. Lindell’s documentary Absolute Proof, which alleges there was widespread fraud in the 2020 presidential election, was named worst picture. Lindell was also voted worst actor for appearing as himself in the film.
Meanwhile, worst remake, rip-off or sequel went to Dolittle, starring Robert Downey Jr, while Polish erotic romantic drama 365 Days was named worst screenplay in the 41st ceremony.
