Christina Ricci criticizes ‘elitist’ Academy board over decision to review Andrea Riseborough’s nomination

Christina Ricci called the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences “elitist and exclusive” following the board’s decision to review Andrea Riseborough’s Best Actress nomination.

The Academy is currently launching an Oscar campaign review after the commercially unsuccessful film To Leslie surprised industry watchers by earning Riseborough a nomination for one of its biggest awards.

The low-budget indie film had grossed just $27,000 at the box office when the English star, who plays a single mother battling alcoholism, appeared on the Best Actress shortlist.

But her inclusion has sparked debate about possible rule-breaking, and the nod came after an intense last-minute social media campaign mounted on her behalf by celebrity friends including Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Paulson. .

Ricci, 42, has since criticized the decision to review the process, while insisting she was sure Riseborough had nothing to do with the celebrity push to win her nomination.

In a since-deleted Instagram post, she wrote: “Seems funny that the ‘surprise nomination’ (meaning tons of money wasn’t spent to position this actress) of a legitimately brilliant performance is being investigated.”

In the mix: The Academy is launching an Oscar campaign review after the commercially unsuccessful film To Leslie stunned industry watchers by earning Riseborough (pictured in film) a nomination.

Surprise: The low-budget indie film had grossed just $27,000 at the box office when the English star, who plays a single mother battling alcoholism, appeared on the Best Actress shortlist.

‘So only movies and actors who can afford campaigns deserve recognition? I find it elitist and exclusive and, frankly, way behind the times.

She added: “If it’s taken from them, it’s a shame for them.”

On Friday, the Academy said it would review its processes, though it did not name the film.

“The Academy’s goal is to ensure that the Awards competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive awards process,” a statement said.

Friends in High Places: Riseborough has been championed by the likes of Cate Blanchett, Howard Stern, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Kate Winslet.

Not happy: Ricci has since criticized the decision to review the process, while insisting she was sure Riseborough had nothing to do with the celebrity push to win her a nomination

“We are conducting a review of the campaign procedures surrounding this year’s nominees, to ensure that the guidelines were not violated, and to let us know if any changes to the guidelines may be needed in a new era of social media and communication. digital.

“We are confident in the integrity of our nomination and voting procedures, and we support genuine grassroots campaigns for outstanding performances.”

The Oscars are awarded based on the votes of the 9,500 members of the Academy, many of them previous winners.

Review: The Academy said on Friday it would examine its processes, though it did not name the film (pictured: Andrea Riseborough at the BAFTA Tea Party in January)

The Academy’s membership is divided into 17 branches, with each branch choosing nominees in their area of ​​expertise.

With around 1,300 members of the acting branch, a nominee in this category needs just over 200 votes to be shortlisted.

In the months leading up to the Oscars, which this year will take place on March 12, billboards in Los Angeles are littered with movie ads as studios seek to woo voting members.

There are also a plethora of parties and events meant to build excitement.

Get Involved: Edward Norton was among the A-list stars who spoke in support of Riseborough’s performance before this year’s Oscar nominations were announced.

She gets my vote: Oscar winner Gwyneth Paltrow also praised the British actress on social media

And the nominees are: Riseborough was nominated alongside Cate Blanchett for Tár, Ana DeArmas for Blonde, Michelle Williams for The Fabelmans and winner Michelle Yeoh for Everything Everywhere All at Once.

Campaigns are usually run by professional companies and are generally not cheap, so they are often exclusive to big studios.

But To Leslie was absent from this circuit.

Speaking to Deadline shortly after her nomination was confirmed, Riseborough said: ‘I’m in awe. … It was so hard to believe that it could ever happen because we hadn’t really been in the race for anything else.

“Although we had a lot of support, the idea that it could actually happen seemed a long way off.”

Low Key: For Leslie he received little fanfare before earning a surprise Oscar nomination for Riseborough (pictured, in film)