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Will ‘Norbit’ cost Eddie Murphy his Oscar?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Hollywood — If you stand near the Kodak Theatre and Oscar’s growing red carpet for Sunday’s Academy Awards show and look up, what you see high up across the street is a giant billboard with Eddie Murphy in a female fat suit touting “Norbit.”
At least one Oscar voter has confided to me that the debut of “Norbit,” with its low-brow comedy and sassy, big-breasted, big-stomached woman (played by Murphy) might cost him enough Academy Award votes for supporting actor for “Dreamgirls” to make him a Sunday night loser.
I still believe Eddie has helped make so many people in Hollywood so much money (“Beverly Hills Cop,” the “Shrek” movies, the “48 Hrs.” movies and more) that enough Oscar voters will stay in his camp and help him take home a trophy.
Do you think the un-Oscar like comedy splash of “Norbit” is enough to do in Murphy’s chances?
Permalink | Comments (45) | Categories: Alan Smithee
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By Fancyface
February 22, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
I hope not. That would be a real shame. As un-funny as Norbit is, it does not descredit the fabulous job he did in Dreamgirls.
By The Truth
February 22, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
The academy is a bunch of liberal losers only interested in pushing their political agenda…No one cares or watches the awards anymore which is why their ratings continue to decline..I mean who really cares about a bunch of hollywood losers and what awards they win!!
By bubbafetch
February 22, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
Gee bee wizzy wig No. He da man and people should separate his performance between the two flicks…..
By The Truth
February 22, 2007 8:19 AM | Link to this
The academy is a bunch of liberal losers only interested in pushing their political agenda…No one cares or watches the awards anymore which is why their ratings continue to decline..I mean who really cares about a bunch of hollywood losers and what awards they win!!
By The Truth
February 22, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
The academy is a bunch of liberal losers only interested in pushing their political agenda…No one cares or watches the awards anymore which is why their ratings continue to decline..I mean who really cares about a bunch of hollywood losers and what awards they win!!
By Dee
February 22, 2007 8:38 AM | Link to this
People are overreacting as usual. There is nothing wrong with this movie. Folks just need to remember that this is only entertainment. In actuality, many of the critics need to take a stroll through Atlanta on any given night and they will see an abundance of huge women who are dressed quite skimpy who actually think they look good; knowing they are too big for the clothes they are wearing. The critics need to find someone to criticize and hopefully it’s someone who really needs it.
By Alice
February 22, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I like Eddie Murphy in any movie and as much money as he has made for the industry, I say give him the award. Plus he deserves it for “Dreamgirls”
By Alice
February 22, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this
I like Eddie Murphy in any movie and as much money as he has made for the industry, I say give him the award. Plus he deserves it for “Dreamgirls”
By keith
February 22, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
No, this movie shouldn’t hurt his chance for an Oscar. I was suprised on how I really like the movie. It was different, clever, and funny. And altough this movie was not a major change in style for Eddie, remember that he is a comedian first and serious actor second. Please allow for his diversity and accept the fact, he likes to make us smile.
By artie
February 22, 2007 9:10 AM | Link to this
Why does he continue to make such crap as Norbit???? We get it, Eddie…you like to play all the characters in your movies!!!!
By artie
February 22, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Why does he continue to make crap such as Norbit???? We get it, Eddie…you like to play all the characters in your movies!!!!
By Big Man
February 22, 2007 9:19 AM | Link to this
That would be a dumb reson for him not to win. Aren’t you supposed to be judged on the performance that you were NOMINATED for? Hollywood is a joke, a big facade.
By Jeff
February 22, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
Bunch of idiots. Norbit was hilarious. Goes back to his days in “Coming to America.”
By Robn
February 22, 2007 9:38 AM | Link to this
Norbit should not affect Murphy’s chances at an Oscar. Unfortuantely, Hollywood is as political as the White House, so who knows! By the way, Norbit was hilarious! How YOU durin???? (go see the movie if you don’t understand that last line)
By Roderick
February 22, 2007 9:45 AM | Link to this
He is black… so the blue eye devils will make thier on rules for giving away thier trophy.
We in the community respect his talent.
By Willis
February 22, 2007 10:07 AM | Link to this
That movie was VERY funny. I don’t see how people didn’t like it.
By Tyrone Gibbons
February 22, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this
Here is the real question, who cares?
By Michelle
February 22, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this
If that loser that made “Borat” was nominated for something, I don’t see why Eddie’s work shouldn’t stand on it’s own. I didn’t see Dreamgirls and have no desire to see Norbit, but the latter does seem more representative of his body of work, no pun intended.
By Joyce
February 22, 2007 10:25 AM | Link to this
Eddie was ok in Dreamgirls. I don’t feel his performance was worth an Oscar nomination. Hollywood likes Eddie and he has made the movie industry millions of dollars so I’m sure he will be rewarded.
Larry Fisburn should have won an Oscar for “What Loves Got To Do With It”. Now, that was a performance. Eddie was just being silly Eddie doing his “Saturady Night Live” routine (Hot Tub). Which by the way was funny.
By ISIDINGO
February 22, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
Eddie Murphy is a great comedian he has followed many other comedians that love to do DRAG. He has perfected it into an artform. Now to me when a actor does something that is outside of there Genre that to me is Talent. Putting a comedian in a serious role is Hard many have tired and many have failed but I can honestly say Eddie gave you hit character in dreamgirls. Just like he gave you the characters in the Nutty Professor, he gave you the donkey in Shrek, he gave the PRince of Zamunda in Coming to America etc. For him to do a believable role in a serious movie that says alot about his mastery of the Craft.
By Tyler P
February 22, 2007 11:24 AM | Link to this
I think it’s sad that another crapfest of a movie with a guy in fat suit drag once again tops the box office. Some moviegoers will pay to see anything. In a word, Pathetic.
By King JEC IV
February 22, 2007 11:28 AM | Link to this
Norbitt shouldn’t be held against him. He’s nominated for Dreamgirls. That’s what he should win or lose for.
As for ‘the blue-eyed devils’ comment, if only the world were as simple as your statement. Things are a bit more complicated than that. The world isn’t blakc and white. Hopefully you will see that someday. As for The Truth, are you still bitter about the fact that Hollywood wouldn’t kiss Bush’s a**? It amazes me how you guys claim to be so pro-American when you’re blatantly anti-free speech. You love it when people blindly support your ideas and arguments, but when they bring a different idea or argument you flip out. Considering Bush’s low approval ratings, it would seem that Hollywood was right and the rest of the country seems to be seeing that too. The elections should have told you that if you didn’t know.
By Roderick
February 22, 2007 11:34 AM | Link to this
The fat chick was Eddie Murphy? Weird, I thought it was Jennifer Hudson.
By Dee
February 22, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
He is nominated for Dreamgirls, Norbit should not even be mentioned when talking about Oscar votes for Dreamgirls….
By ISIDINGO
February 22, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Eddie Murphy is a great comedian he has followed many other comedians that love to do DRAG. He has perfected it into an artform. Now to me when a actor does something that is outside of there Genre that to me is Talent. Putting a comedian in a serious role is Hard many have tired and many have failed but I can honestly say Eddie gave you hit character in dreamgirls. Just like he gave you the characters in the Nutty Professor, he gave you the donkey in Shrek, he gave the PRince of Zamunda in Coming to America etc. For him to do a believable role in a serious movie that says alot about his mastery of the Craft.
By ANGELA
February 22, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
I SAW NORBIT YESTERDAY AND IT SUCKED!!! WHAT WAS EDDIE THINKING? THE MOVIE WASN’T FUNNY AT ALL. NO ONE IN THE MOVIE THEATRE LAUGHED! NORBIT SHOULD COST HIM THE OSCAR NOMINATION.
By Gimme a break
February 22, 2007 1:12 PM | Link to this
Hey RODERICK,
Go back to the hole you crawled out of, leave the race card alone and learn how to spell while you’re at it …
By Neil
February 22, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
I don’t think Eddie Murphy is going to win the Ocsar. Not because of “Norbit”; but because Djimon Hounsou and Mark Wahlberg (sp) were far better in their respective films.
By Monty
February 22, 2007 1:44 PM | Link to this
Why should he be judged for Norbit, when the nomination is for Dream Girls.
By maurice
February 22, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this
Uh guys just realize that over half the black community do not own a personal computer nor do they have anything to do with any type of awards. Well at least not the Oscars. So who gives a hoot if he wins the award or not…he’s still made his money.Like Morgan Freeman says “acting is not a competitive sport”.
By Atlanta lady
February 22, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this
I think if he loses it won’t be becuase og Norbit. I just feel Djimon Hounsou played a better role. But I still love Eddie either way
By Katie
February 22, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this
I happen to be an Eddie Murphy fan. I agree with Jeff, Eddie’s roles does take you back to the days of Coming to America, which was hilarious. The movie was in it’s own way funny. I don’t understand how Norbit could affect his chances for an Oscar. But then again in Hollywood things are different.
By bearcrazyman
February 22, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
Enviga Please!
By bhabylee
February 22, 2007 2:53 PM | Link to this
I think Eddie was awesome in Dreamgirls. Most good actors are not in for the awards but the love of their work. Eddie has made us laugh over years. He deserves an award for his role in Dreamgirls. When I saw the movie, I saw the role he was playing not the actor. In Norbit, I considered it funny because I haven’t seen an Eddie Murphy film in ages. So you all don’t hate…..
By Lisa K.
February 22, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this
Does it really matter? Roderick your comment about the fat chick being Jennifer Hudson was so distasteful. That was not necessary at all. Also, the correct way to spell your version on “thier” is THERE!! So THERE… Get a life.
By nubianteacher
February 22, 2007 2:57 PM | Link to this
Roderick…your comment avbout Jennifer Hudson was mean and unnecessary…she had nothing to do with this blog, but yet you chose to find a way to make a mockery of her size…women, black women in particular, already have enough issues and we don’t need stupid and irrational comments like that when we are trying to climb the road of success.
By marianf
February 22, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Word to Eddie Murphy - it’s time to grow up and stop making those tacky movies. Nortbit is distasteful and a complete affront to black women. If we had more positive media images maybe we could handle this assault. But we don’t and our men need to stop parading as fat, grotesque women in these awful movies. If he loses the Oscar because of Norbit, then so be it. Maybe that would be the message he needs to stop making such gargabe.
By JoJo
February 22, 2007 3:09 PM | Link to this
Roderick, I thought the lady in Norbit was your mother!! You’re right, I don’t know your mother…just like you don’t know Jennifer Hudson! And, Maurice where do you get your stats? Furthermore, it has nothing to do with the cost of tea in China. IDIOTS!!
By Neil
February 22, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this
Is it me… or is it ignorant to say Eddie “deserves” an Oscar when you haven’t seen the work any of the other actors nominated did in their movies. I say that because there is NO WAY, you can watch Eddie in “Dreamgirls”, Djimon in “Blood Diamond”, or Mark in “The Departed” and feel that Eddie should win the Oscar for best supporting actor. Oh, and NUBIANTEACHER, don’t mind Roderick… he’s just being a coward racist behind the safety of his computer.
By love jones 4
February 22, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Roderick, That comment about the big Norbit woman being Jennifer Hudson was the funniest thing today in this mostly unoriginal blog. That’s worthy of the Tonight Show or some other late show monologue. Now, that comment about the blue-eyed whatever (posted earlier), I can’t agree on. That’s your opinion. But Oscar voters ARE subjective and arbitrary. Dezel Washington’s best performance was not “Training Day.”; their vote for him for that movie in 2003 was more of a lifetime performance. So, in an arbitrary manner, Murphy’s “Norbit” performance could cost him, especially if voting is still going on. I’m not certain when the cutoff for Oscar voting is.
By David
February 22, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Angela, you must have seen the movie with a bunch of old white folks if NOBODY laughed! Either that or you are a plus sized girl and got hit where it hurts. We have a saying in the South that a hit dog will holler. Norbit is not the most sophisticated comedy, as a matter of fact it is pretty lowbrow but some of us like lowbrow and at the theater where I saw the movie, everybody laughed and I mean EVERYBODY.
By brown-eyes
February 22, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this
Jennifer Hudson actually had to gain weight for her role in Dreamgirls. She’s not a large girl.
By Cheryl
February 22, 2007 5:11 PM | Link to this
In the first place…they are judging him on his performance in Dreamgirls not Norbit. Every actor in Hollywood has had bad films and good. If they take it away from him because of that movie that’s just WRONG, he deserves a chance to win for Dreamgirls. The premiere of Norbit has nothing to do with that. They need to keep their focus.
By Eddie Fan
February 22, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this
I am a black male and I saw Norbit and I thought the movie was hilarious! A week after I saw the movie I was listening to NPR and this woman was hating on the movie saying that it was offensive to black women because the character Raspusha was fat, abusive, an adultress and does not accurately portray black women. She also hated on the fact that Norbit ended up with the skinny, light-skinned woman with long hair. I say GET OVER IT! If you are a woman who is rude, obnoxious, extremely obese, abusive, and deadly then you should expect your man to find another woman too. Because real men with balls don’t put up with that crap! As for Eddie’s Academy Award nomination, he will win because he has two of the biggest players in Hollywood behind him-David Geffen & Steven Spielberg. Enough said!
By msteven
February 26, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this
Leave it to the Oscars to leave your jaw on the floor. Just like American Idol, as Jennifer Hudson said after Eddies lost, you can never be too sure” which I believe Eddie and others was so sure he was going to win. I saw the c-o-ckiness when he won for the golden globe.I thought..hmmm watch out now The oscars have a way in doing a U Turn. I did not see Dreamgirls or Norbit. Waiting for both to come out on DVD. I didnot want to see Dreamgirls because of its Fictionanl account of Motown, something I thought could clearly wait until its out on DVD. As a big fan of Motown(growin up when it was in its hey day) and considering all the Fiction I heard about Dreamgirls and how great it is, I just wasent interested in running out to see it because its more Fiction then truth. I was not suprised at Jennifer’s performance because I am an American Idol Watcher and was Quite Aware of Jennifer’s OUTStanding voice when she sang an Elton John selection and Tore it up. I was Impressed with her Then and knew that would NOT be the last time we heard from her. I saw this way back then. So I am not suprised and if anyone had seen her on idol they should not be Suprised either. The award she won only sums up the “Only in America you can come from no where, be a nobody only to become the most talked about celebrated individual of the past decade. So Simon Cowell, what you got to say now? Also the Public was WRONG as well as Simon Cowell. I love this! Eddie Murphys latest movie has nothing to do with his performance in Dreamgirls, thats two different movies. If they held his latest movie against him because it was less or different then his prior effort. Then the oscars is as usual full of crap and a total waste of good electricty. Personally I think the promotion for Dreamgirls as well as Lady Sings the Blues was OVERKILL. I remember back in 1972 when every five minutes on commericals Motown was pushing “Diana Ross is Billie Holliday” overkill promotion, and she lost. I had heard so much raving about Eddie Murphy, it was a bit too much. Once again, The Oscars went in the opposite direction of the Golden Globes. This may very well be Eddies last golden opportunity for the big one. Only a few juicy roles for blacks to really showcast their acting abilities and strut their stuff comes along every blue moon. Ray was perfect for Jamie. too bad Eddie didnt beat Jamie to the punch and perhaps do the stevie wonder story(remember eddie did a few spoofs of stevie wonder during his stand up days and SNL. Eddie should be mad at Jamie lol because I feel Eddie could have did Ray or Stevie Wonder. Well too late now and I doubt anyone would want to see him do a simiular role now as stevie wonder or james brown(a charactor I heard he mimicked in Dreamgirls.