Xanadu and the Razzies

The creators of The Golden Raspberry Awards owe a great deal to Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly.

Did you know Xanadu (1980) partially inspired The Golden Raspberry Awards (aka, the Razzies)?

In 2005, David Germain reports that after (barely) enduring a double-feature of the musicals Xanadu and Can't Stop the Music (1980), John Wilson and Mo Murphy had an idea. In jest, the two planned an Oscar-night potluck dinner. Then, they invited over friends, doled out ballots, and asked them to vote on "the worst of Hollywood for the previous year."

That silly, intimate gathering nearly 40 years ago has generated actual award ceremonies, sponsors, memberships, and a book--The Official Razzie Movie Guide, which features a rather, shall we say, befitting cover. 

In short, Wilson and Murphy owe a lot to Xanadu.

Image: "The Razzies at Barnsdall Gallery Theatre. Feb. 21, 2009," by Par Lance, Wikimedia Commons.

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Sources

• Germain, David (Associated Press) (February 26, 2005). "25 Years of Razzing Hollywood's Stinkers". South Florida Sun-Sentinel. 7D.