The Academy Awards celebrate the best in film, but not every movie chasing a trophy hits the mark.
Instead of feeling genuine, many come off as awkward attempts to impress voters.
Over the years, plenty of these films have missed the mark.
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They rely on forced drama, shallow messages, or exaggerated acting.
A few managed to snag awards, but most were met with criticism - or evennominated for razzies.
Here’s a look at the ten worst Oscar-bait movies from the past 25 years.
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Ben Platts return as Evan, despitehis obvious miscasting at 26, undermines the storys sincerity.
The films attempt to balance empathy with critique feels shallow and awkward, resulting in a muddled message.
Instead of inspiring,Dear Evan Hansencomes across as cringeworthy and tone-deaf.
It chronicles the life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.
However, its overly ambitious plot and lack of cohesion left viewers disconnected.
Despite its Oscar-bait trappingsperiod drama, star power, and a weighty premisethe movie failed to captivate.
Critics pointed out its convoluted narrative and inconsistent pacing, while audiences found it dull.
Instead of a contender,Amsterdambecame a costly disappointment,losing its studio millions of dollars.
The film aims to portray her as a woman seeking independence and love while grappling with global fame.
WithNaomi Wattsin the lead andOliver Hirschbiegeldirecting, it had the makings of an Oscar contender.
However, instead of an insightful look at Dianas life, it delivers a shallow, melodramatic love story.
The films script reduces Dianas legacy to a bland romance, sidelining her humanitarian work and complexity.
Misguided dialogue, underdeveloped characters, and stilted performances waste any potential for nuance.
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Instead of celebrating her impact,Dianafeels like a superficial attemptto capitalize on her enduring fame.
With its themes of poverty, family dysfunction, and resilience, it seemed designed to attract awards attention.
However, thefilm failed to deliver the nuanced explorationits weighty subject deserved.
Yale Law student J.D.
The film navigates his relationship with his addiction-stricken mother and resilient grandmother.
However, thesequel failed to recapture the magic of its predecessor.
The musical numbers felt uninspired, and the story lacked focus, leaving audiences confused and disconnected.
Despitewinning the Oscar for Best Sound Editing, the movie falters with its disjointed tone and historically inaccurate narrative.
A tale of war and romance mixed in with history.
The film showcasedgreat battle sequences, but struggled with uneven pacing and melodramatic storytelling.
While the movie attempted to explore Alexanders complexities, it often felt overstuffed and lacking focus.
Hyped as apotential Oscar contender,Alexanderfailed to impress critics or audiences.
Intended as a prestigious musical,Catsbecame a cinematic horror story.
Next:10 Essential Movies That Got Zero Oscar Nominations
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In the 1930s, three friends witness a murder, are framed for it, and uncover one of the most outrageous plots in American history.
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Yale Law student J.D. Vance returns to his Ohio hometown due to a family crisis, reflecting on his troubled upbringing and the intergenerational struggles of his Appalachian family. The film navigates his relationship with his addiction-stricken mother and resilient grandmother.
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Joker: Folie à Deux explores Arthur Fleck’s ongoing struggle with his dual identity as he unexpectedly discovers love and unleashes his hidden musical talent. Set against a backdrop of societal unrest, Arthur’s journey intertwines personal transformation with chaotic encounters, leading to profound shifts in his life and the world around him.
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A tale of war and romance mixed in with history. The story follows two lifelong friends and a beautiful nurse who are caught up in the horror of an infamous Sunday morning in 1941.
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A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new Jellicle life.
