Adam Sandler’s Sole Oscar-Nominated Film Surprisingly Holds a 34% Rating on Rotten Tomatoes

Adam Sandler is not typically thought of as an Oscar contender, and intriguingly, his sole Academy Award nomination comes from a comedy that holds a mere 34% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite not being a critical darling, Sandler has become one of the most bankable comedic actors in Hollywood. His journey in showbiz began in the late 1980s when he appeared as Smitty in *The Cosby Show* (1987), followed by his film debut in the comedy *Going Overboard* (1989). The next significant milestone was joining the beloved cast of *Saturday Night Live* in 1990.

Sandler skyrocketed to fame with the 1995 hit *Billy Madison*, establishing himself as a standout in the genre. Over the years, he has showcased his versatility by taking on various roles, from comedies to dramatic works like *Punch-Drunk Love*, *Spanglish*, and the gripping crime thriller *Uncut Gems*. Although he has had several box office successes, it is noteworthy that only one of his films has earned an Oscar nomination, surprising many given the film’s low critical reception.

Click: Adam Sandler’s Sole Oscar-Nominated Film

Click’s Oscar Nomination Surprises Many

Click poster featuring Adam Sandler holding the remote

Among Sandler’s comedies, *Happy Gilmore* stands tall with a 64% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, but it faced its own lack of major award nominations. In contrast, *Click*—despite its 34% rating—managed to secure Oscar recognition. The film follows Michael Newman (Sandler), a dedicated family man who, after acquiring a universal remote, discovers he can manipulate time. Unfortunately, his irresponsible use of this powerful device leads him to skip significant periods of his life, ultimately resulting in dire consequences.

Despite mixed reviews and its “rotten”label, *Click* found success at the box office, bringing in $240.6 million against an $82.5 million budget. It earned a nomination for Best Makeup at the 2007 Oscars but lost to *Pan’s Labyrinth*. At present, *Click* remains the only film featuring Adam Sandler to receive an Academy Award nomination.

Uncut Gems: A Notable Oscar Oversight

Uncut Gems: Sandler’s Potential Oscar Triumph

Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) showing off a Furby necklace in Uncut Gems

While Adam Sandler’s filmography may not scream Oscar material, he faced a significant snub with his performance in *Uncut Gems* (2019), directed by the Safdie brothers. Sandler portrayed Howard Ratner, a jeweler enmeshed in gambling addiction and spiraling debt. His quest to sell an expensive gem only intensifies his troubles, creating a character brimming with complexity.

Critics hailed Sandler’s portrayal in *Uncut Gems* as his finest work to date; many anticipated an Oscar nomination for his compelling performance. The film proved to be both a commercial and critical triumph, grossing $50 million against a $19 million budget, and receiving a 91% critic approval score on Rotten Tomatoes, although it scored a lower 52% from audiences.

Despite its accolades from other award bodies, *Uncut Gems* garnered no Academy Award nominations, a disappointment for many fans and critics alike. The film is frequently cited as one of the best of the 2010s and is considered a defining piece in Sandler’s career.

Sandler’s Unique Awards Record

The Other Side: Razzie Awards

Interestingly, while Sandler has been overlooked for an Oscar, he holds a dubious distinction among actors: a staggering 37 nominations for the Golden Raspberry Awards (Razzies), which celebrate the worst in film. His first Razzie nomination came in 1997 for *Bulletproof* and *Happy Gilmore* in the Worst Actor category.

Sandler’s Razzie nominations span multiple categories, from Worst Screenplay to Worst Picture, showcasing a variety of his films like *Jack and Jill* and *That’s My Boy*. Despite this less-than-stellar record, there remains hope that with the right project and heartfelt performance, Sandler could still secure a coveted Oscar nomination in the future—yet, as it stands, *Click* remains his only film to achieve such recognition.

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