Drew Barrymore has reacted to Ryan Kiera Armstrong, 12,’s shock Worst Actress nomination at the Razzies for her performance in the 2022 remake of Firestarter.
Barrymore originated the role of pyrokinetic marvel, Charlene ‘Charlie’ McGee, in the 1984 screen adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name.
“Well, that makes my blood boil,” Barrymore began on the latest episode of his daytime talk show.
After receiving backlash, the Golden Raspberry Awards – better known as the Razzies – have since removed Armstrong from their ballot and artists under 18 are no longer eligible.
Reaction: Drew Barrymore reacted to Ryan Kiera Armstrong, 12,’s shock Worst Actress nomination at the Razzies for her performance in the 2022 remake of Firestarter
Remake: Armstrong seen as Charlie in the 2022 Firestarter remake
Before expanding on his sentiments, Barrymore provided his audience with some information about the Razzies.
“It’s an awards show that started in 1980 as a mock awards show, kind of like the Oscars but the insulting version,” she explained.
“And look, I’m kidding ourselves, I mean come on, come on, but Ryan is 12.”
She informed viewers that Golden Raspberry Awards co-founder John Wilson has “since apologized and withdrawn [Ryan] of the category” and “they are implementing a new rule prohibiting anyone eighteen years of age or younger”.
While it’s a step in the right direction, Barrymore noted that Ryan isn’t the first child actor/actress to be nominated.
The OG: Barrymore originated the role of pyrokinetic marvel Charlene ‘Charlie’ McGee in the 1984 screen adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name (pictured)
“Well, that makes my blood boil,” Barrymore began on the latest episode of his daytime talk show
“Apparently they actually named a few kids before, but they didn’t get caught and this time they did.”
Barrymore explained that in the 1980s, the Razzies weren’t hyped like they are today, and winners didn’t have to fear social media scrutiny or bullying.
“The truth is, back in 1980, a little industry insider awards show without the power of social media was like a ‘Bring it on, we can all handle it. [kind of thing”
‘But now it’s sort of like another way to publicly allow others to shame them and ridicule them with platforms that maybe they couldn’t have anticipated back in the day.’
Changes: Barrymore explained that that back in the 1980s, the Razzies weren’t publicized like they are today and winners did not have to fear social media scrutiny or bullying
Brutal: ‘But now it’s sort of like another way to publicly allow others to shame them and ridicule them with platforms that maybe they couldn’t have anticipated back in the day’ she said
‘But now they know,’ said the Charlie’s Angels alum.
To conclude her response, she encouraged the Razzies to proceed with caution and sensitivity when it comes to young performers. She also praised Ryan for her Charlie portrayal.
‘So I would just say to them, ‘Please don’t do this to people who are younger. That’s not nice. And I really like Ryan, and as Firestarter! Don’t do this again.”
Armstrong’s nomination was officially rescinded Wednesday following substantial backlash online for including a minor among their nominee.
Learning a lesson: To conclude her response, she encouraged the Razzies to proceed with caution and sensitivity when it comes to young performers. She also praised Ryan for her Charlie portrayal
Rescinded: Armstrong’s nomination was officially rescinded Wednesday following substantial backlash online for including a minor among their nominee; Armstrong seen in 2022
The parody award show, which annually honors the worst of film, also made the decision to introduce age limit for nominations.
Moving forward, all nominees will be at least 18-years-old as to not discourage young children and adolescents from pursing careers on the big screen.
Armstrong, who was nominated for her performance in Firestarter alongside Zac Efron, has yet to publicly respond to the jab at her acting skills.
While a Razzie nomination can be embarrassing, other stars who received nods or won their categories include Sandra Bullock, Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, Eddie Redmayne, Al Pacino and more.
Firestarter: Armstrong, who was nominated for her performance in Firestarter alongside Zac Efron, has yet to publicly respond to the jab at her acting skills; pictured
Co-founder Wilson chatted with Buzzfeed about the row, which comes less than a year after the show had to rescind a category mocking actor Bruce Willis after his diagnosis with aphasia was revealed publicly.
Wilson said that he ‘can see how it could be taken’ as mean-spirited, but doesn’t ‘think that was how it was meant.’
He added, ‘I think people who get upset about it – I don’t even know how to say this. The rage is interesting – perhaps somewhat justified, but I think overblown. There’s a righteousness about it. It’s the Razzie Awards, for goodness’ sake!’
Wilson said that ‘the intent’ on the nomination ‘was to be funny,’ and that ‘in this particular instance, we seem to have misstepped very badly.’
According to Wilson, the Armstrong is considered an ‘experienced actress, even if she’s only 12,’ and came in fifth in votes from around 1,100 voting members in the category, which also includes Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic Park: Dominion), Diane Keaton (Mack & Rita), Kaya Scodelario (The King’s Daughter) and Alicia Silverstone (The Requin).
Co-founder John Wilson (seen in 2012) said that ‘the intent’ on the nomination ‘was to be funny,’ and that ‘in this particular instance, we seem to have misstepped very badly’
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