Meghan weeps as Critics Choice cancels 4 Morning Show Lead nominations.
Meghan Markle and Prince Harry's Netflix docuseries "Harry and Meghan" has been excluded from the Critics Choice Awards nominations, failing to meet the criteria for a documentary film. The six-part series, chronicling the couple's romance and split from the royal family, was submitted for consideration in documentary categories by their agency WME but did not secure a nomination.
The Critics Choice Awards, recognizing excellence in film and television, unveiled their nominations on December 6, 2023. Notably absent from the list, "Harry and Meghan" was a much-discussed and divisive show throughout the year. Critics dismissed the docuseries, branding it as self-serving propaganda lacking journalistic integrity, artistic merit, and a coherent, compelling narrative.
Directed by Oscar nominee Liz Garbus, the series included interviews with Harry and Meghan, personal footage, and archival material. However, it faced criticism for alleged bias, inaccuracies, and sensationalism. The use of Paparazzi footage, allegations against the monarchy, and reenactments further fueled controversy.
Despite being signed to a $100 million deal with Netflix in 2020, the couple has faced backlash from royal fans and experts who accused them of betraying privacy and damaging the royal family's reputation. The docuseries' release amid the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Meghan's legal battle against the Mail on Sunday intensified scrutiny.
While Harry and Meghan defended their decision to produce the series, citing a desire to share their unique journey and inspire resilience, it received mixed reviews from critics and audiences. Netflix's Global Top 10 rankings indicated a brief peak at number two before dropping out after four weeks. The series holds a 56% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 58/100 score on IMDb.
Apart from the docuseries, the couple has worked on other projects with Netflix, including "Heart of Invictus," a series about Harry's Invictus Games, and "Pearl," an animated children's show. They also launched a podcasting company, Archewell Audio, with Spotify, featuring episodes with guests like Elton John, James Corden, and Oprah Winfrey. Despite the Critics Choice Awards snub, the couple continues their ventures in the media industry.
