Tom Cruise may have survived a Martian attack in last year’s remake of “War of the Worlds,” but he has failed to elude Hollywood’s movie police.
The actor was among the contenders announced Monday for the annual Razzie Awards, which “honor” the worst achievements in film.
Cruise will compete for the year’s worst actor award with Will Ferrell (“Bewitched,” “Kicking & Screaming”), Jamie Kennedy (”Son of the Mask”), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (”Doom”) and Rob Schneider (”Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo”).
The nominees were announced by The Golden Raspberry Award Foundation, a tongue-in-cheek organization that claims more than 700 voting members.
Foundation head John Wilson said in an interview he did not think Cruise’s portrayal of a working-class man in “War of the Worlds” was particularly credible.
While there were arguably worse performances, Cruise’s off-screen antics, either in support of Scientology, or in the throes of passion with new girlfriend Katie Holmes, ensured he made the grade, Wilson said.
Indeed, Cruise was nominated twice in the new category of most tiresome tabloid target, which salutes “the celebs we’re all sick and tired of,” Wilson said.
Cruise is already a Razzie winner, sharing the honor with Brad Pitt for worst screen couple in “Interview with the Vampire.” He was also nominated for the film “Cocktail.”
Actresses Jenny McCarthy and Jessica Simpson also picked up three nominations. McCarthy was cited for worst actress, worst screen couple and worst screenplay for “Dirty Love.” Simpson will also vie for worst screen couple, as well as worst supporting actress as Daisy Duke in “The Dukes of Hazard.”
“Son of the Mask,” a sequel to the 1994 Jim Carrey hit, led the nominated films with eight mentions. Unfortunately for the producers, Carrey did not reprise his role in the new film and no one went to see it.
“Dukes of Hazzard,” which did well at the box office, received seven nominations.
Winners will be announced March 4, the day before the Academy Awards. Last year’s announcement was attended by Halle Berry, graciously taking her lumps for “Catwoman.”