Oscars Check-In: ‘The Eyes of Tammy Faye’ Is Arguably The Worst Oscar Nominee From 2021

Cory Cogley
Onedio Member
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If nominated for an Oscar, a film is usually worthwhile for something. Still, one movie has to be the worst, and The Eyes of Tammy Faye is a strong contender for that position. Jessica Chastain stars in an Oscar-nominated role, and audiences and critics instantly praised her performance. However, every aspect of The Eyes of Tammy Faye other than Chastain's acting received negative critical attention. While it does not rank critically with the worst movies of 2021, it was a major box office flop.

Tammy Faye LaValley, a poor Minnesotan young woman, runs off to marry like-minded Jim Bakker, with both wanting to inspire a religious revolution in the United States. When their religious broadcasting service suddenly takes off, Tammy Faye becomes a full-on pop-star of religious America. The couple enjoys the fame for a while, but sudden accusations quickly make their public image turn for the worst.

  • Jessica Chastain - Tammy Faye Bakker

  • Andrew Garfield - Jim Bakker

  • Vincent D'Onofrio - Jerry Falwell

  • Cherry Jones - Rachel Grover

With a documentary of the same name already 20 years old, 2021’s Tammy Faye biopic offers almost nothing new to the story with an unremarkable screenplay and uninspired director from Michael Showalter (whose last feature films were The Big Sick and The Lovebirds). Oscar-nominated actress Jessica Chastain and accomplished makeup/hairstyling probably won’t save this film from disappointing most viewers.

If it still sounds worthwhile to watch, The Eyes of Tammy Faye is available to stream on HBO Max. The documentary version is not readily available for viewing currently, so that might be enough to convince people to watch this biopic.