Eddie Murphystands by the movie that won him multiple Golden Raspberry Awards, aka Razzies, and is speculated to have lost him his one and only Oscar nomination. Murphy is one of the most beloved comedic actors of all time, having made a name for himself as a performer onSaturday Night Livebefore later dominating the box office.
But since Murphy’s run of well-received 1980s films likeBeverly Hills CopandComing to America, his projects haven’t always landed with ubiquitous praise. Films likeThe Nutty Professor,Dr. Doolittle,andI Spycertainly found their audiences, but received mixed reviews from critics. But it sounds like the comedian isn’t letting that get to him.
Eddie Murphy Stands By Norbit (2007), Doesn’t Think It Ruined His Oscar Chances
In an interview withComplex, Eddie Murphy got to talking aboutNorbit, his 2007 film that was a box office success, but a critical flop (it currently has a 9% critic rating onRotten Tomatoes). He defended the film and pushed back against speculation that it cost him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar win forDreamgirls.
Murphy toldComplex,“I love Norbit. Norbit came out right after I got that Oscar nomination. There were articles like, ‘How can he get an Oscar, he did this?’ They’re two different movies.”
“I wrote Norbit with my brother, Charlie,”Murphy continued,“and we think Norbit is funny. Here’s the thing with Norbit – it came out and they gave me Razzie Awards for Worst Actress, Worst Actor, and Worst Actor of the Decade. And I was like, ‘Come on now, s**t ain’t that bad.’”
Without necessarily comparing it tohis other movies, Murphy said“I like Norbit. To this day, I like Norbit. There’s stuff in Norbit that makes me laugh.”
What This Means For Eddie Murphy
Murphy’s comments aboutNorbitare a sign thatthe actor doesn’t necessarily judge his successes based on critical reception.In the interview withComplex, he did acknowledge the box office failures of films likeThe Adventures of Pluto NashandHoly Man, but it sounds as though he resists letting critics spoil his enjoyment of his own work.
That’s refreshing, especially considering the fact thatNorbitsurged in popularityon streaming last year, proving its lasting appeal to audiences. In fact, many of Murphy’s critically divisive movies have found wide audiences;Dr. Doolittlewas a box office hit despite negative reviews, andThe Nutty Professor(Barely fresh at 64% onRotten Tomatoes) a lasting piece of pop culture.
It’s also unlikely thatNorbitfully cost Murphy an Academy Award.The actor was beat out by Alan Arkin for his role inLittle Miss Sunshinewhich, unlikeDreamgirls, was nominated for Best Picture and won the Oscar for Writing (Original Screenplay). Even ifNorbitdinged Murphy’s chances,Little Miss Sunshineclearly had plenty of awards buzz and momentum.
