Meghan Markle’s Netflix Film Snubbed by Academy Awards for Best Picture

In a disappointing turn of events, Meghan Markle's latest Netflix venture, “Meet Me at the Lake,” has been rejected for consideration in the 2024 Academy Awards for Best Picture.

The romantic comedy, based on Carly Fortune's best-selling novel, was anticipated to be a significant comeback for Markle, who had previously stepped away from the acting scene.

However, the film has not resonated with critics or audiences, resulting in a lackluster reception.

Starring Markle as a successful lawyer who finds love with a fisherman, the film was meant to showcase her acting abilities.

Unfortunately, it has been criticized for its predictable storyline and uninspired dialogue, leaving many viewers unimpressed.

Critics have pointed out that Markle's performance appeared stiff and lacking in depth, failing to capture the essence of her character.

Adding to the film's woes, it has faced accusations of being a thinly veiled attempt to frame Markle as a victim of the media and the royal family.

This narrative choice has not sat well with many viewers, further tarnishing the film's reputation.

Currently, “Meet Me at the Lake” holds a dismal 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers labeling it a bland rom-com that squandered its potential.

Financially, the film has also struggled, grossing only $12 million globally against a hefty $40 million budget.

This underperformance has been overshadowed by the success of other Netflix releases, including Bradley Cooper's acclaimed biopic “Maestro” and the award-winning love story “Past Lives.”

As the Academy prepares for its awards ceremony on March 10, 2024, Markle's film is conspicuously absent from the shortlist of contenders.

The snub extends beyond the Oscars, with “Meet Me at the Lake” also overlooked by the Golden Globes, Critics' Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

The only acknowledgment the film has received so far is a Razzie nomination for Worst Actress for Markle, who now faces tough competition from notable names like Jennifer Lopez and Angelina Jolie.

Markle's foray into film has been met with skepticism ever since she and Prince Harry left royal duties in 2020.

Their lucrative Netflix deal, reportedly worth over $100 million, aimed to produce impactful content, but the results have been mixed at best.

Their first project, a documentary series titled “Harry and Meghan,” was criticized for being self-indulgent and one-sided.

Following that, an animated series called “Pearl,” which Markle executive produced and voiced, faced backlash for allegedly copying Disney's “The Princess and the Frog.”

Such controversies have only fueled doubts about Markle's credibility and talent in Hollywood.

Former co-stars have not held back in their criticism, with Patrick J. Adams expressing disappointment over her departure from “Suits” and John Hamm admitting he barely remembered working with her.

Piers Morgan, a vocal critic of Markle, has labeled her a “delusional duchess” with little chance of Oscar success, describing her film as a “turkey” deserving of ridicule.

This public disapproval underscores the challenges Markle faces in her quest for acceptance in the entertainment industry.

The failure of “Meet Me at the Lake” adds to the mounting setbacks for Markle and Harry, who have navigated a series of scandals and legal battles since stepping back from royal life.

Accusations of hypocrisy regarding their lavish lifestyle, alongside criticisms of their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, have further alienated them from the public.

As Markle grapples with the fallout from her film's poor reception, it serves as a stark reminder of the distance she has traveled from her once-promising Hollywood aspirations.

Once viewed as a rising star, she now finds herself struggling to regain her footing in an industry that seems to have turned its back on her.

The road ahead appears challenging, and the question remains whether she can ever reclaim her former status.