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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided not to rescind Andrea Riseborough’s surprise Oscar nomination following an internal review.
The Academy’s 54-person board launched an investigation after Riseborough, 41, was nominated for Best Actress for To Leslie, a film that grossed about $27,000 at the box office but received “aggressive” endorsement from celebrities. .
Stars including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Mia Farrow, Susan Sarandon, Minnie Driver and Edward Norton praised Riseborough’s performance in the low-budget drama, while Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron and Courteney Cox arranged private screenings of the film.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer said in a statement: “The Academy has determined that the activity in question does not rise to the level that the film’s nomination should be rescinded.”
“However, we discovered the social media and outreach campaign tactics that caused concern,” Kramer said. “These tactics are being addressed directly with the responsible parties.”
The Academy Opted Not to Rescind Andrea Riseborough’s Best Actress Oscar Nomination
Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Charlize Theron (right) were among the many celebrities who held private screenings in their homes in a big push to get the film an Oscar nomination.
The Academy found the film’s campaign raised ‘concern’ and will implement changes to its regulations next year.
The low-budget indie film had grossed just $27,000 at the box office when Riseborough, who plays a single mother battling alcoholism, appeared on the Best Actress shortlist.
The nomination drew a great deal of criticism as Riseborough had not been nominated for a Golden Globe or Critics Choice award, the traditional route to the Oscars.
The Academy launched a review Friday to see if any of its rules were broken, including one that prohibits “direct solicitation” of members’ votes.
Although he opted not to rescind the Oscar nomination, Kramer said the board will make changes to his campaign regulations next year.
‘The purpose of the Academy’s campaign rules is to ensure a fair and ethical award process, these are core values of the Academy.
‘Given this review, it is clear that the components of the regulations need to be clarified to help create a better framework for a respectful, inclusive and impartial campaign.
These changes will be made after this award cycle and will be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an environment in which votes are based solely on the artistic and technical merits of films and eligible achievements.’
The movie world was stunned when Andrea Riseborough’s portrayal of an alcoholic in the independent film To Leslie received the nomination.
Starting with actress Mary McCormack, Riseborough recruited a star-studded list of backers to post online about the 41-year-old British actress’ blistering performance in the rarely seen film.
Part of an email circulating among celebrities about the film sent by McCormack along with her and Riseborough manager Jason Weinberg read: “If you’d be willing to post every day from now until January 17th, that would be amazing! !”
‘But anything is useful, so please do what makes you feel comfortable. And what’s more comfortable than posting about a movie every day!’
He Current Academy Rules on ‘lobbying’ and ‘nominee referrals’ includes specific guidelines for screenings, receptions and what can and cannot be emailed to members.
Rule 10 for lobbying states: ‘It is expressly prohibited to contact Academy members directly and in a manner outside the scope of these rules to promote a film or achievement for Academy Award consideration.’
Meanwhile, rule 11 for references to other nominees states: ‘Announcements, mailings, websites, social media (including Facebook and Twitter) or any other form of public communication by anyone directly associated with an eligible film attempting to throw a negative or derogatory light on a competing film or achievement will not be tolerated.’
‘In particular, any tactic that singles out ‘competitors’ by name or title is expressly prohibited.
“In addition to reserving all available remedies, Academy members found to have violated this regulation will be subject to a one-year suspension from membership for the first violation and expulsion for any subsequent violation.”
Edward Norton held a private screening of the film, singing its praises.
Gweneth Paltrow took to Twitter in an ‘aggressive’ campaign in support of To Leslie
Academy Award winner Charlize Theron first hosted a screening of the film in November of last year.
“It’s the kind of movie that stays in your mind. It stays in your bones. [It] it even stays on your skin,’ she said of To Leslie, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Even before this, Howard Stern, who was shown To Leslie by his director and his wife in July, had been singing its praises on his SiriusXM show in October, Variety reported.
Friends star Jennifer Aniston and Glass Onion actor Edward Norton also held screenings in their homes.
After seeing the film, Norton wrote, “I don’t post a lot about movies or actors’ performances… maybe I should more often.” But for those interested in a really good performance, I’ll tell you that Andrea Riseborough’s performance in ‘To Leslie’ blew me away.
“This is the most emotionally deep, physically harrowing, engaging performance I’ve seen in a long time. Just raw and completely devoid of performative BS.
In addition to drawing attention for a film many have never even heard of, Riseborough’s nomination drew the ire of some who believe acclaimed black actresses Viola Davis (The Woman King) and Danielle Deadwyler (Till) would have been in the Best Actress list if it weren’t for A Lisa’s star-studded campaign.