'Transformers' sequel leads Razzies 'worst-of' list

LOS ANGELES (AP) — "Transformers: Age of Extinction" is rolling out with the most nominations at this year's Golden Raspberry Awards.

 

The action sequel starring Mark Wahlberg alongside morphing robots led all films Tuesday with seven nominations, including worst picture, worst sequel, worst screenplay and worst screen combo.

 

"Transformers" is also up for worst director for Michael Bay, worst supporting actress for Nicola Peltz, and worst supporting actor for Kelsey Grammer, who was also recognized for his supporting parts in "The Expendables 3," ''Legends of Oz" and "Think Like a Man Too."

 

The nominations were released to The Associated Press on Tuesday ahead of an official announcement on Wednesday.

 

This year's other worst picture nominees are "Kirk Cameron's Saving Christmas," ''Left Behind," ''The Legend of Hercules" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles."

 

The faith-based comedy "Saving Christmas" and the Kellan Lutz action flick "Legend of Hercules" both collected six nominations, including worst actor for Cameron and Lutz.

 

The nominees for worst screen combo are Cameron and his ego in "Saving Christmas"; Seth MacFarlane and Charlize Theron in "A Million Ways To Die in the West"; any two robots, actors (or robotic actors) in "Transformers"; Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel in "Sex Tape"; and Lutz and either his abs, pecs or glutes in "Legend of Hercules."

 

The Razzies, which launched in 1980 as a spoof of Hollywood's awards season, added a new category this year called the redeemer award that lauds past Razzie honorees.

 

The inaugural redeemer award nominees are: Ben Affleck for being praised for both "Argo" and "Gone Girl" after winning the worst actor trophy in 2004 for "Gigli," ''Daredevil" and "Paycheck"; Jennifer Aniston for her Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for "Cake" following four Razzie nods; Mike Myers for earning acclaim as the director of the documentary "Supermensch" after winning three Razzies for "Love Guru" in 2008; six-time Razzie nominee Keanu Reeves for rebounding with "John Wick"; and "Twilight" star and former Razzie recipient Kristen Stewart for earning rave reviews for the indie film "Camp X-Ray."

 

The Razzies announcement came ahead of Thursday's Oscar nominations.

 

The winners of the 35th annual Razzies are selected by online votes from the organization's 757 members. They will be announced at Hollywood's Montalban Theater on Feb. 21, the night before the 87th annual Academy Awards.

 

While far less star-studded than other award shows, past Razzie recipients such as Halle Berry and Sandra Bullock have shown up in person to jokingly accept their gold spray-painted prizes.