LITTLE ROCK — The Last Airbender - the action fantasy about people who can command fire, air,water and earth - led Saturday’s Razzie awards for Hollywood’s worst film achievements with five prizes,among them worst picture, worst director and worst screenplay for M. Night Shyamalan. The movie also received Razzies for worst supporting actor (Jackson Rathbone, who was cited for both The Last Airbender and The Twilight Saga: Eclipse) and for a special award, worst eye-gouging misuse of 3-D. A spoof of the Academy Awards, the Razzies were announced the night before Sunday night’s Oscars. Sex and the City 2 took three Razzies, including worst actress (a prize shared by costars Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon), worst screen couple or ensemble for its entire cast, and worst prequel, remake, rip-off or sequel. Ashton Kutcher was picked as worst actor for Killers and Valentine’s Day, while Jessica Alba took the Razzie as worst supporting actress for four 2010 releases, The Killer Inside Me, Little Fockers, Machete and Valentine’s Day. Shyamalan has declined in popularity since 1999 Oscar best-picture contender The Sixth Sense, which earned him directing and writing nominations at Hollywood’s highest honors. He won Razzies as worst director and worst supporting actor for his 2006 fantasy flop Lady in the Water.
Grammy Award-winning singer and philanthropist Shakira has been honoredby Harvard University. The Harvard Foundation, the university’s center for intercultural arts and science initiatives, gave Shakira its 2011 Artist of the Year award on Saturday. Foundation director S. Allen Counter says the Latin music artist, who has sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, was honored for her “distinguished history of creativity,” as well as for her charitable contributions. After accepting the award, Shakira challenged Harvard students to do more to improve education in developing countries. Shakira said she was humbled by the award and the student performances at the ceremony. Shakira founded the Barefoot Foundation at age 18 to provide education and nutrition to children in impoverished areas of her native Colombia. She is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 02/28/2011