In the wake of sharp criticism for nominating a 12-year-old for this year’s worst actor, The Golden Raspberry Awards have decided to raise the age limit to 18.
The satirical award ceremony, which started in 1981 and is popularly called the Razzies, is in its last days got the skin full after selecting 12-year-old Ryan Kiera Armstrong among the five nominees in the “worst actress” category.
On the night of Wednesday Norwegian time, the Razzies announced on Twitter that the nomination of Armstrong was withdrawn.
Now they have followed this up with a longer statement, reproduced in a number of American and British media, among them CNN.
– Sometimes you do things without thinking, then you are made aware of it in public. Then you understand. That’s why the Razzies were created in the first place, says John Wilson, one of the founders of the award ceremony.
– Sorry for any inconvenience
Wilson, who in an interview with BuzzFeed first referred to the criticism as somewhat exaggerated, now characterizes it as justified.
He admits that they have been insensitive in this matter.
– We also believe that we owe Miss Armstrong a public apology, and wish to say that we are sorry for any burden she has experienced as a result of our choices.
Furthermore, Wilson makes it clear that the Razzies will from now on only nominate actors and other filmmakers who are over 18, as a result of the debate.
This after a number of former child actors have railed against the nomination of Armstrong.
– We have never had the intention of burying someone’s career, says Wilson, and points out that the Razzies already have a “freshman award” in their repertoire.
– We all make mistakes, including us in particular, admits Wilson, and rounds off by stating that the Razzies must “own their mistake”, as they themselves encourage filmmakers to do.
Neither Ryan Kiera Armstrong herself nor her staff have so far commented on the matter.
The 12-year-old is currently working on his eighth feature film, “The Old Way”, a western with Nicolas Cage in the lead role.
