The Razzie Awards have apologized after targeting a young actress in their annual nominations.
The awards, which “honor” the worst movies and performances of the year, nominated Kyra Armstrong for Worst Actress for her portrayal of a pyrokinetic girl in last summer’s Firestarter.
Armstrong, 12, is in the category alongside Hollywood veterans such as Alicia Silverstone (“Shark”) and Diane Keaton (“Mac and Rita”). Fire Extinguisher, adapted from Stephen King’s 1980 novel, was also nominated for worst remake, ripoff or sequel.
Following Monday’s announcement of the nominations, the Razzies drew immediate backlash on social media, with Twitter users calling for Armstrong’s nomination. “Ignorant”, “often” and “intimidate”.
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In response, Razzies founder John Wilson issued a statement Wednesday apologizing to Armstrong and calling the reviews “inappropriate.”
The protest “brought our attention to the brutality of this situation,” Wilson said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY. “As a result, we have removed Armstrong’s name from the final ballot on which our members will vote next month. We also feel that the public apology is due to Ms. Armstrong, and we would like to say that we are sorry for any wrong she may have done. suffered as a result of our choices.
Wilson said that in future, actors and directors under the age of 18 will no longer be considered for “awards”.
“We never intended to bury someone’s career,” Wilson said. “We all make mistakes, including ourselves.”
Since 2019, Armstrong has appeared in several high-profile films alongside A-list actors such as This Is Chapter Two, Marvel’s Black Widow, and Gloria starring Julianne Moore. He will next star alongside Nicolas Cage in the western The Old Road.
USA TODAY has reached out to Armstrong’s representatives for comment.
Now in its 43rd year, the Razzies announce their “winners” on March 11, the day before the Academy Awards. Netflix’s Marilyn Monroe drama “Blonde” leads this year with eight nominations, including worst movie.
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