Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary director behind "The Godfather," once again proved he’s not one to conform to Hollywood norms. This time, he turned an infamous "win" at the Golden Raspberry Awards—better known as the Razzies—into an opportunity to challenge the film industry’s risk-averse nature.
Coppola’s Bold Response to the Razzie Win
Rather than shying away from the so-called dishonor, Coppola embraced his title of "Worst Director" with a sharp and unapologetic Instagram post.
"I was thrilled by the honor," he wrote. "In this wreck of a world today, where ART is given scores as if it were professional wrestling, I chose to NOT follow the gutless rules laid down by an industry so terrified of risk that despite the enormous pool of young talent at its disposal, may not create pictures that will be relevant and alive 50 years from now."
That’s right—Coppola, one of the most celebrated directors in film history, is calling out Hollywood for its fear of innovation. And let’s be honest, he has a point. The industry is flooded with sequels, reboots, and formulaic blockbusters, while truly original storytelling often struggles to get the green light.
"Megalopolis": A Passion Project, Not a Box Office Hit
Coppola’s ambitious sci-fi epic, Megalopolis, was at the center of this Razzie controversy. The self-funded film—starring Adam Driver, Shia LaBeouf, and Aubrey Plaza—had a staggering $120 million budget but only managed to bring in $14 million worldwide.
Despite its financial struggles, Coppola refuses to let the box office define his film’s value. He wrapped up his post with a powerful statement:
"Let us remind ourselves that box-office is only about money, and like war, stupidity, and politics, has no true place in our future."
In a world where a film’s success is often measured solely by its earnings, Coppola’s perspective is refreshing. His film may not have made millions, but it has certainly sparked conversation—something that many box-office giants fail to do.
The Razzies’ Brutal Take on "Megalopolis"
The Razzies didn’t hold back in their critique, dubbing Megalopolis as "WTF: The Movie." Their assessment? "An incoherent $120 million mess from the fabled director of The Godfather." Ouch.
Even veteran actor Jon Voight, who played Hamilton Crassus III in the film, couldn’t escape the Razzies’ wrath. He won "Worst Supporting Actor"—a title he shared across performances in Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land, and Strangers.
2025 Razzie "Winners": The Hall of Shame
While Coppola’s reaction to his award stole the spotlight, he wasn’t the only filmmaker to be "honored" this year. Here’s a look at some of the biggest "winners" (or losers, depending on how you see it):
🏆 Worst Picture
-
Borderlands
-
Joker: Folie à Deux
-
Madame Web | WINNER
-
Megalopolis
-
Reagan
🎭 Worst Actor
-
Jack Black (Dear Santa)
-
Zachary Levi (Harold and the Purple Crayon)
-
Joaquin Phoenix (Joker: Folie à Deux)
-
Dennis Quaid (Reagan)
-
Jerry Seinfeld (Unfrosted) | WINNER
🎭 Worst Actress
-
Cate Blanchett (Borderlands)
-
Lady Gaga (Joker: Folie à Deux)
-
Bryce Dallas Howard (Argylle)
-
Dakota Johnson (Madame Web) | WINNER
-
Jennifer Lopez (Atlas)
🎭 Worst Supporting Actor
-
Jack Black (voice only) (Borderlands)
-
Kevin Hart (Borderlands)
-
Shia LaBeouf (in drag) (Megalopolis)
-
Tahar Rahim (Madame Web)
-
Jon Voight (Megalopolis, Reagan, Shadow Land, Strangers) | WINNER
🎭 Worst Supporting Actress
-
Ariana DeBose (Argylle, Kraven the Hunter)
-
Leslie Anne Down (as Margaret Thatcher) (Reagan)
-
Emma Roberts (Madame Web)
-
Amy Schumer (Unfrosted) | WINNER
-
FKA twigs (The Crow)
🎬 Worst Director
-
S.J. Clarkson (Madame Web)
-
Francis Ford Coppola (Megalopolis) | WINNER
-
Todd Phillips (Joker: Folie à Deux)
-
Eli Roth (Borderlands)
-
Jerry Seinfeld (Unfrosted)
🤝 Worst Screen Combo
-
Any Two Obnoxious Characters (Especially Jack Black) (Borderlands)
-
Any Two Unfunny "Comedic Actors" (Unfrosted)
-
The Entire Cast of Megalopolis
-
Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga (Joker: Folie à Deux) | WINNER
-
Dennis Quaid and Penelope Ann Miller (Reagan)
🔄 Worst Prequel, Remake, Rip-Off or Sequel
-
The Crow
-
Joker: Folie à Deux | WINNER
-
Kraven the Hunter
-
Mufasa: The Lion King
-
Rebel Moon 2: The Scargiver
📝 Worst Screenplay
-
Joker: Folie à Deux
-
Kraven the Hunter
-
Madame Web | WINNER
-
Megalopolis
-
Reagan
🌟 Razzie Redeemer Award
-
Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl) | WINNER
Final Thoughts: Coppola’s Legacy vs. Industry Criticism
Love or hate Megalopolis, there’s no denying that Coppola is a filmmaker who isn’t afraid to take risks. While the Razzies exist to poke fun at Hollywood’s biggest misfires, Coppola’s response highlights a deeper issue—the reluctance of major studios to support bold, visionary projects.
Whether Megalopolis stands the test of time remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: Coppola will always be remembered for pushing the boundaries of cinema, even when the industry tries to laugh him off the stage.
Login