Once again, we're back with our annual power ranking of US launch companies. 2024 was the third year Ars compiled a list of the most accomplished rocket companies in the United States with the goal of sparking debate, discussion, and appreciation for the challenge of operating a successful launch company.
This is a difficult business, both technically and financially. We salute all the engineers, technicians, and business development people out there giving this industry a go.
Please note that this is a subjective list, although hard metrics such as total launches, tonnage to orbit, success rate, and more were all important factors in our decisions. And our focus remains on what each company accomplished in 2024, not on what they might do in the future.
These are the worst films 36 Golden Globe winners have been in, according to Rotten Tomatoes scores.
For Demi Moore, who won her first Golden Globe 34 years after her first nomination, it was "Blame It on Rio."
The Golden Globes officially kick off awards season, usually with a chaotic, fun ceremony. This year was no different, with Nikki Glaser hosting, some uncomfortable presenter banter, a few heartwarming wins, and a somewhat baffling sweep from Netflix's musical "Emilia Pérez."
For most actors, winning a Golden Globe can be a career high. But everyone knows that where there are highs, there are also lows.
These are the films that critics have deemed the worst in 36 Golden Globes winners' careers, including this year's winners such as Kieran Culkin, Sebastian Stan, Demi Moore, and Zoe Saldaña.
Demi Moore — "Blame It on Rio" (1983)
Michael Caine, Demi Moore, Michelle Johnson, and Vincent Bologna in "Blame It on Rio."
Moore won her first Golden Globe in January 2025, her first major acting award since making her film debut 44 years ago. Her win came for her role in "The Substance," a black comedy/body horror satire about what it means to be aging in Hollywood.
She has been nominated three times before: in 1991 for "Ghost" and twice in 1997 for acting in and producing the TV movie "If These Walls Could Talk."
Her worst-rated movie by critics, "Blame It on Rio," is a somewhat bizarre rom-com in which Matthew (Michael Caine) and Victor (Joseph Bologna) are two best friends who bring their teenage daughters on a trip to Rio — but Matthew begins having an affair with Victor's daughter. Moore plays Matthew's daughter, Nikki.
Brody won his first Golden Globe in 2025 for starring in "The Brualist." He had previously been nominated in 2003 for "The Piano," but lost — both are critical hits.
Conversely, "Air Strike" has the rare 0% score on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is about the Japanese bombings of Chongqing during World War II. Brody is credited as a special appearance.
Zoe Saldaña — "Constellation" (2005)
Gabrielle Union, Billy Dee Williams, and Zoe Saldaña in "Constellation."
Saldaña received her first nomination and win this year for her performance in "Emilia Pérez," a Spanish-language musical about a cartel dealer who undergoes gender reassignment surgery with the help of Rita Mora Castro (Saldaña), a lawyer.
"Constellation" is the story of a family who returns to their hometown in Alabama when its matriarch Carmel dies. Saldaña plays Rosa, Carmel's niece.
Stan was nominated for two Golden Globes this year, for lead actor in both a drama and a musical/comedy. While he lost the drama award, he won for his performance in the black comedy "A Different Man."
Thirteen years ago, he appeared in the horror film "The Apparition." In it, a group of college students (including Stan's character Ben) attempt to recreate the "Charles Experiment," which sees them stare at a drawing of a dead man named Charles to summon his spirit.
Farrell has been nominated for four Golden Globes, winning his first in 2009 for "In Bruges," his second in 2023 for "The Banshees of Inisherin," and his third in 2025 for "The Penguin."
One of his more recent films, "Artemis Fowl," has also proven to be his worst, according to critics. In it, he plays Artemis Fowl Sr., the missing father of the titular character.
Culkin has been nominated for six Golden Globes in his career, winning two back-to-back in 2024 and 2025 for "Succession" and "A Real Pain," respectively.
However, just a decade or so ago, he appeared in the lowest-rated film of his career: "Movie 43," a comedy anthology film. Culkin's segment is about a grocery store clerk, Neil, whose ex-girlfriend shows up and the two quickly begin having an explicit conversation — unbeknownst to them, though, Neil's mic is hooked up to the store's intercom. Neil's ex Veronica is played by Culkin's real-life ex Emma Stone. And speaking of Stone ...
Stone has been nominated for eight Golden Globes, winning two. Her first came in 2017 for "La La Land" in 2017, and her second came seven years later in 2024 for "Poor Things." Stone appeared at the Golden Globes in 2025 because she produced one of this year's nominees for best comedy, "A Real Pain."
And just like Culkin, the worst film of her career (according to critics) is "Movie 43."
Washington is one of the most decorated actors of all time, especially when it comes to the Globes. He's been nominated 11 times — most recently for "Gladiator II" — winning for "Glory" and "The Hurricane." Washington also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2016.
But critics say his worst film of all time is the 1990 buddy comedy "Heart Condition," in which he co-stars with Bob Hoskins. Washington plays a lawyer, Napoleon, while Hoskins plays a racist police sergeant named Jake. The two team up to solve a crime.
Bassett had only been nominated for one Golden Globe, which she took home for the 1994 Tina Turner biopic "What's Love Got to Do with It," until 2022, when she scored her second win for playing Queen Ramonda in "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
In 2015, Bassett starred in the worst-reviewed film in her career to date, "Survivor," a spy thriller in which she played the US ambassador to the United Kingdom, Maureen Crane.
Garfield won his first (and only, to date) Golden Globe in 2022 for his performance in "Tick, Tick...Boom!."
His other nominations came from "The Social Network," "Hacksaw Ridge," and "Under the Banner of Heaven."
Garfield's worst movie, according to critics, was only his second on-screen appearance, and he appeared alongside titans like Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, and Tom Cruise. In the film, he plays an apathetic college student who is channeled by a professor, played by Redford.
Hugh Grant — "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" (2009)
Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant in "Did You Hear About the Morgans?"
Grant has one win from seven nominations, for his performance in "Four Weddings and a Funeral." He was nominated in 2025 for his performance in "Heretic," but lost to Sebastian Stan.
In 2009, Grant co-starred with Sarah Jessica Parker in "Did You Hear About the Morgans?" as an estranged NYC couple who are forced to enter the witness protection program and move to Wyoming after witnessing a murder.
Chastain has eight Golden Globe nominations to her name — including one in 2023 for "George & Tammy" — but only one win: "Zero Dark Thirty" in 2013.
Only four years prior, though, Chastain appeared in a career low, the 2009 film "Stolen" alongside Jon Hamm and Josh Lucas. The film tells the story of two fathers connected by the kidnappings of their sons 50 years apart.
Cruise has three wins from seven Golden Globe nominations: He's won for "Born on the Fourth of July," "Jerry Maguire," and "Magnolia." In 2021, amid controversies with the Golden Globes and the Hollywood Foreign Press, Cruise returned all three awards.
Just two years before he'd win his first Globe, though, he appeared in the critically panned — but box-office smash — "Cocktail" as Brian Flanagan, an Army vet who turns to bartending to make ends meet.
Smart won her first Golden Globe in 2022 for her performance as legendary stand-up comedian Deborah Vance in "Hacks." Three years later, in 2025, she won again for "Hacks." She was also nominated in 2023 but lost.
She's had a decadeslong career in show business, including the 2018 flop "Life Itself," which had an ensemble cast of Smart, Mandy Patinkin, Oscar Isaac, Olivia Wilde, Antonio Banderas, Olivia Cooke, and Annette Bening. The film spans multiple generations, families, and confusing plotlines.
Jackman has one Golden Globe from four nominations, most recently in 2023 for "The Son." He took home best actor in a musical or comedy for his performance as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables."
That same year, he appeared in "Movie 43," a film comprised of multiple short segments. In his, he plays a character who goes on a date with Kate Winslet's character, and he has a rather unfortunate appendage growing from his chin.
Cate Blanchett — "Borderlands" (2024)
Clockwise starting from the top left: Ariana Greenblatt, Florian Munteanu, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart, and Cate Blanchett in "Borderlands."
Blanchett has won four times: for "Elizabeth," "I'm Not There," "Blue Jasmine," and most recently, for "Tár." She's been nominated an additional nine times, most recently for "Disclaimer."
However, critics say her worst film was 2024's "Borderlands," an absolutely cursed video-game adaptation that also fell totally flat with fans and at the box office. Blanchett led the film as Lilith, a bounty hunter.
Egerton's first win was also his first nomination — he won for his performance as Elton John in 2019's "Rocketman." He was nominated again in 2022 for his work on the Apple TV+ series "Black Bird."
These both were a rebound from a career low. He'd appeared as the antagonistic tennis pro Dean in "Billionaire Boys Club" in 2018.
In 2022, Williams secured her seventh nomination for her performance in Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film "The Fabelmans." From those seven, she has two wins, for "My Week with Marilyn" and "Fosse/Verdon."
Just three years after her first nomination for 2005's "Brokeback Mountain," she starred in her worst-review film, "Deception," a thriller co-starring Hugh Jackman and Ewan McGregor. The film is basically a B-list "Eyes Wide Shut," in which McGregor's character gets involved in a mysterious underground sex club that Williams is a part of.
Pitt was nominated for his eighth Golden Globe in 2022 for "Babylon," 28 years after his first nomination for "Legends of the Fall." He secured his first win the next year for "12 Monkeys." It took him another 23 years to win again, this time for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," in 2019.
While 2019 was a peak, the nadir of his career has to be his appearance in "Cool World" as Frank, a detective transported into a comic book world.
Hudson also won a Globe on her first try in 2006 for her role as Effie White in "Dreamgirls," which was also her acting debut; an auspicious start.
Her worst film, though, came just last year — the sci-fi thriller "Breathe" which takes place on an Earth where the atmosphere has become unbreathable. Hudson plays Maya, the film's protagonist, who is constantly on the hunt for an oxygen machine and will stop at nothing to get it.
Bardem has been nominated for six Golden Globes overall, winning one for "No Country for Old Men." Most recently, he was nominated for "Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story."
In 2016, Bardem co-starred with Charlize Theron in "The Last Face," directed by her boyfriend at the time, Sean Penn. Theron and Bardem played doctors in Liberia who fall in love while dealing with their dangerous circumstances. However, critics didn't think much of it, as shown by its low score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Pike proved that the third time's the charm in 2021, winning her first Golden Globe on her third nomination. After receiving nods for "Gone Girl" and "A Private War," she won for her performance in "I Care a Lot." She was nominated again for her performance in "Saltburn" in 2024, but didn't win.
On the flip side, the worst film in her career according to critics is 2015's "Return to Sender," a psychological thriller about a surgical nurse, Miranda (Pike), striking up a friendship with her rapist while he's in jail.
Daniel Kaluuya — "Chatroom" (2010)
Hannah Murray, Daniel Kaluuya, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Matthew Beard, and Imogen Poots in "Chatroom."
Kaluuya scored his first Golden Globe win in 2021 for his performance as Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah." He was also nominated for "Get Out."
But back in 2010, fresh off his run on "Skins," Kaluuya appeared in the internet thriller "Chatroom," which followed a group of teens who meet online and encourage each other's bad behavior.
Hudson was nominated for her second Golden Globe in 2021 for the controversial film "Music," but lost to Rosamund Pike. She won her first in 2001 for her role as Penny Lane in "Almost Famous."
She also starred in the 2011 film "A Little Bit of Heaven" as Marley, a woman who learns she has terminal cancer and struggles to come to terms with it, while also being granted three wishes.
Close has been nominated for 16 Golden Globes, winning three for her performances in "The Lion in Winter," "Damages," and "The Wife." She was most recently nominated for "Hillbilly Elegy," but she lost to Jodie Foster.
However, her worst film, according to critics, was 1985's "Maxie," in which she plays the titular character, the spirit of a would-be '20s film star who possesses a normal woman, Jan, so she can fulfill her destiny as a film star.
Ronan won her first and only Golden Globe (thus far) in 2018 for "Lady Bird," though she has three other nods to her name.
In 2013, she appeared in the film adaptation of "Twilight" author Stephenie Meyer's other series, "The Host," as the main character Melanie, who gets taken over by a parasite named Wanderer.
Michael Douglas — "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt" (2009)
Douglas has been nominated for 14 Golden Globes, and has won five — he won for producing "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest," one for producing "Romancing the Stone," and others for his performances in "Wall Street," "Behind the Candelabra," and "The Kominsky Method." He also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2004.
But critics say his worst film is the 2009 crime thriller "Beyond a Reasonable Doubt," in which he plays a sketchy (but successful) lawyer who is embroiled in a scandal when a journalist tries to set him up.
Octavia Spencer — "The Divergent Series: Allegiant" (2016)
Octavia Spencer in "The Divergent Series: Allegiant."
Spencer has been nominated for three Golden Globes, winning one in 2012 for her breakthrough performance in "The Help."
After that, she was cast in the "Divergent" series, one of the many dystopian film series that was touted as the next "Hunger Games," as Johanna, a member of the "Amity" faction. She appeared in both "Insurgent" and "Allegiant," which has a critics score of just 11%.
Robert Downey Jr. — "Johnny Be Good" (1988)
Anthony Michael Hall and Robert Downey Jr. in "Johnny Be Good."
Downey has received five Golden Globes noms in his career and has won three awards: one for his performance on the TV series "Ally McBeal" in 2001, a second for his performance as the iconic detective in "Sherlock Holmes" in 2010, and a third in 2024 for playing Lewis Strauss in "Oppenheimer." He also won a special award as part of the ensemble cast of "Short Cuts."
One of the worst movies of his career, though, is "Johnny Be Good" in which he appeared as Leo, the best friend of the main character Johnny Walker, who is trying to decide where to play college football.
Ryder has won one Golden Globe from three nominations, for her performance in "The Age of Innocence."
Seven years later, Ryder starred in the horror film "Lost Souls" as Maya, a member of a group of people who believe that Satan intends to inhabit a human being.
It took Gosling five tries to finally take home a Golden Globe, which he did for 2017's "La La Land." He received another nomination in 2023 for "Barbie."
Three years before he'd earn his first Golden Globe nomination for "Lars and the Real Girl" in 2008, he starred in 2005's "Stay" as Henry Letham, a car crash survivor who is slowly losing his grip on reality.
Awkwafina — "Breaking News in Yuba County" (2021)
Awkwafina in "Breaking News in Yuba County."
United Artists Releasing; American International Pictures
Awkwafina won her first Golden Globe for her breakthrough performance in "The Farewell" in 2020. It was also her first nomination.
Just a year later, she'd already gotten her worst film out of the way: 2021's "Breaking News in Yuba County," in which she played Mina, an enforcer for money launderers.
Weaver has two Golden Globe wins under her belt from seven nominations. She won for her portrayal of Dian Fossey in "Gorillas in the Mist" and for playing the villainous boss Katharine in "Working Girl."
A career low for Weaver is 2012's action thriller "The Cold Light of Day," in which she plays the duplicitous CIA handler of Henry Cavill's character Will.
Sam Rockwell — "Gentlemen Broncos" (2009) and "Mute" (2018) (tie)
Sam Rockwell in "Gentlemen Broncos" and "Moon."
Fox Searchlight Pictures; Sony Pictures Classics and Stage 6 Films
Rockwell's been nominated for three Golden Globes, winning one for his performance in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri."
Almost a decade prior, he appeared in "Gentlemen Broncos," a film about a would-be author named Benjamin Purvis, who is trying to write a book called "Yeast Lords." Rockwell plays the main character of the book, Bronco (later Brutus).
The same year he won for "Billboards" in 2018, he also appeared in the tech-noir film "Mute," in which he has an uncredited cameo as Sam Bell, his character from "Mute's" predecessor, "Moon."
Carrey has been nominated for eight Golden Globes, winning twice in back-to-back years — in 1999 for "The Truman Show" and 2000 for "Man on the Moon."
Three years before he'd receive his seventh acting nom for "Kidding," Carrey appeared in "Dark Crimes" (also known as "True Crimes"), a film based on the real story of Polish convicted murderer Krystian Bala, per The New Yorker. Carrey plays Tadek, a detective investigating a murder.
Felicity Huffman — "Christmas with the Kranks" (2004)
Huffman has been nominated for seven Golden Globes, mainly for her television work, but her only win to date is for her performance in the film "Transamerica" in 2005.
The year prior, she had a small role in "Christmas with the Kranks" as one of the main character's friends, Mary.
Austin made the list of one of the best places to live in 2024.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
US News & World Report created a list of the best places to live in the US in 2024.
Factors such as housing affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life determined the list.
Naples, Florida, tops 2024's list, followed by Boise, Idaho, and Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Deciding where to live isn't always easy.
Some people move multiple times in a decade, searching for new experiences or better opportunities. Others end up regretting relocating to their new homes.
Every year, US News & World Report ranks 150 big cities based on factors including quality of life, schools, crime rates, employment opportunities, and housing affordability to find the best places to live in the United States.
For 2024's list, the South and the Midwest have the most cities ranked in the top 15.
Booming Boise, Idaho; outdoorsy Colorado Springs, Colorado; and the bustling banking hub of Charlotte, North Carolina, all consistently make the list of the best places to live. Newcomers include Austin, a growing tech hub, and two scenic South Carolina locales: Greenville and Charleston.
In addition to weighing job opportunities and housing costs, US News & World Report emphasizes each area's overall standard of living.
Here are the 15 best places to live in the US, according to US News & World Report. Residents find plenty to like about these cities, including relatively affordable homes, plenty of jobs, and lots of ways to spend their free time.
15. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky.
Getty Images
Population of the metro area: 320,154
Median home price: $331,000
Median monthly rent: $1,600
Median household income: $66,392
Climate Vulnerability Index: 58th percentile (average vulnerability). This index shows areas of the US most likely to face challenges from climate change.
Known for: Home to over 450 horse farms, Lexington is known as the horse capital of the world. While it doesn't have the Kentucky Derby, Keeneland Race Track holds its own horse races twice a year.
Known for: Wisconsin's capital is also the state's second-largest city. Madison is a college town, offering plenty of chances to see concerts and sporting events.
Known for: With its cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Charleston is a dream for historic-architecture buffs. Plus, miles of beachy coastline are just a short trip from downtown.
Known for: Wisconsin's oldest city is home to the Green Bay Packers, a storied NFL team. Nature lovers can make the most of Green Bay's 25-mile Fox River State Trail, even in the winter.
Known for: Sarasota earned the nickname the Circus City because Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus moved its winter quarters to the beachy town in 1927. These days, the weather, leisurely pace of life, and lack of income tax all attract people to Florida. Sarasota, in particular, has become a magnet for workers, according to a January LinkedIn report.
Known for: Not far from the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is known for outdoorsy activities, including rock climbing, hiking, skiing, and cycling. The city's median age is 28.6, giving it a youthful, lively energy.
Known for: An artsy, contemporary city, Austin is known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, eclectic cuisine, and college scene. It also has a long history of attracting tech giants, and even more companies have opened offices there since the pandemic. West Coasters in the industry have moved to the city, lured by the booming job market and comparatively low cost of living.
Known for: Boasting a beloved boardwalk, Virginia Beach has miles of beaches, delectable seafood, and a mild climate. Murals, museums, and shops in the ViBe Creative District give the seaside destination some arty flair, too.
Known for: Since the start of the US space program in the 1950s Huntsville has been a hub for the aerospace and defense industries. Today it's bursting with startups, alongside long-standing workplaces like NASA and Boeing. Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin also has a facility for building rocket engines in Huntsville.
Known for: This capital city has a busy downtown, free museums, and miles of hiking trails. Part of North Carolina's Research Triangle, Raleigh has a long history of fostering technology and science companies, creating a strong local economy.
Known for: Second only to New York, Charlotte is a bustling banking hub. Locals can root for the city's professional basketball, football, and soccer teams or soak up the art and food scenes.
Known for: In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville attracts new residents with its moderate climate, burgeoning food reputation, and natural beauty. Greenville is also home to several major corporations, including Michelin, GE, and Lockheed Martin.
Known for: The US Olympic and Paralympic Training Center is located in Colorado Springs, making the city especially attractive to athletes. There are hundreds of miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, and white water rafting is a popular summer activity. From the Garden of the Gods to the iconic Pikes Peak, gorgeous natural sights adorn the area.
Known for: Thousands of new residents flocked to Idaho's capital in the past decade, making it the US's fastest-growing city in 2018. Boise blends sought-after amenities such as microbreweries and cider houses with nearby scenic state parks full of rivers, canyons, and mountains.
Known for: Located on Florida's Gulf Coast, Naples is like a postcard come to life, with white-sand beaches, luxurious residences, and over 1,350 holes of golf. The city has long attracted wealthy residents who can afford the high housing costs. Right now a $295 million compound is up for grabs, the most expensive home for sale in the US.
Sources: Population and income data are from the US Census, median home price from Realtor.com, median rent from Zillow, and climate information from the Climate Vulnerability Index.
This story was originally published on May 15, 2024, and most recently updated on December 4.
