Meghan Markle’s latest Netflix project, “Meet Me at the Lake,” has failed to impress the Academy Awards for Best Picture nominations.

The romantic comedy, based on Carly Fortune’s bestselling novel, was intended to showcase Markle’s acting talents and mark her comeback to the industry she left behind.

However, the film has been widely criticized by both critics and audiences alike, resulting in its rejection by the Academy.

“Meet Me at the Lake” tells the story of a successful lawyer, portrayed by Markle, who falls in love with a charming fisherman.

Unfortunately, the film has been lambasted for its clichéd plot, lackluster chemistry, poor dialogue, and Markle’s wooden performance.

Many viewers have also accused the film of attempting to portray Markle as a victim of the media and the monarchy, seemingly justifying her controversial decision to step away from her royal duties.

With a dismal 23% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have labeled the film as a bland and boring rom-com that squanders its potential.

They consider it a vanity project that does nothing to redeem Markle’s reputation.

Adding to the disappointment, “Meet Me at the Lake” has also underperformed at the box office, earning a meager $12 million worldwide, falling far short of its $40 million budget.

The film’s lack of success is further overshadowed by the triumph of other Netflix productions, such as Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic, “Maestro,” and the Korean-American love story, “Past Lives,” which won the Gotham Award for Best Feature.

As the Academy Awards approach on March 10, 2024, Markle’s film is noticeably absent from the shortlist of contenders for Best Picture.

It has also been snubbed by other prestigious awards, including the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards, and Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Markle’s film career has been a subject of controversy and ridicule ever since she departed from the royal family in 2020.

Alongside her husband, Prince Harry, she signed a lucrative deal with Netflix worth over $100 million to produce documentaries, films, and shows aimed at informing and inspiring viewers.

However, their output has received mixed reviews and faced backlash, particularly from their former fans in the UK.

Their initial project, the six-part documentary series “Harry and Meghan,” was criticized as a self-indulgent and one-sided portrayal of their struggles with the press and the palace.

Their animated series, “Pearl,” was accused of being a copycat of Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” and viewed as a money-making endeavor by Markle, who served as the executive producer and voice actor for the main character.

Furthermore, Markle’s film aspirations have been met with skepticism from her former co-stars and colleagues.

Patrick J Adams, her love interest on the legal drama “Suits,” expressed shock and disappointment over her decision to leave the show and marry Harry, revealing that they haven’t spoken since.

John Hamm, who starred alongside her in the 2010 film “A Lot Like Love,” admitted to barely remembering working with her and claimed he wasn’t surprised by her lack of success in Hollywood.

Piers Morgan, an outspoken TV host and critic of Markle, labeled her a “delusional duchess” with no chance of winning an Oscar, referring to her film as a “turkey” deserving of being “roasted” by the Academy.

This film flop is the latest setback for the couple, who have faced numerous scandals and lawsuits since their departure from the royal family.

They have been accused of hypocrisy and elitism for their extravagant lifestyle and environmental activism, disrespect and dishonesty for their explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey, and exploitation and invasion of privacy for their upcoming memoirs and podcasts.

Additionally, they have become estranged from their families and friends, who express sadness and anger over their actions and choices.

For Markle, once aspiring to be a Hollywood star, this film failure serves as a stark reminder of her fall from grace and the unlikelihood of ever reclaiming her former status in the industry and public eye.