The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences tried to quell the controversy over “To Leslie” star Andrea Riseborough’s sudden Best Actress nomination after a Board of Governors assembly this morning. The group despatched a notice to members saying no actions will likely be taken on this explicit case, however they are going to proceed to make clear laws on this period of social media. Most observers didn’t imagine Riseborough’s nomination would ever be rescinded.
READ MORE: Marc Maron defends “To Leslie” co-star Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination
The Academy famous to members, “Based on issues that surfaced final week across the TO LESLIE awards marketing campaign, the Academy started a overview into the movie’s campaigning ways. The Academy has decided the exercise in query doesn’t rise to the extent that the movie’s nomination ought to be rescinded. However, we did uncover social media and outreach campaigning ways that brought about concern. These ways are being addressed with the accountable events straight.
The goal of the Academy’s marketing campaign laws is to make sure a good and moral awards course of—these are core values of the Academy. Given this overview, it’s obvious that parts of the laws have to be clarified to assist create a greater framework for respectful, inclusive, and unbiased campaigning. These adjustments will likely be made after this awards cycle and will likely be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an atmosphere the place votes are based mostly solely on the inventive and technical deserves of the eligible movies and achievements.”
Riseborough’s “grassroots” marketing campaign got here beneath scrutiny after she earned a shock Best Actress nomination final week. The “To Leslie” star had an landed Independent Spirit Award nomination however been shut out of a nod from all the opposite main precursor honors such because the SAG Awards and BAFTA Awards. The veteran Hollywood actress additionally hadn’t received any main critics group honors making many business observers query her candidacy.
While Riseborough didn’t benefit from commerce advertisements or billboards, she did have a lot of appearing department members together with Sarah Paulson, Patricia Clarkson, Debra Winger, Ed Harris, Amy Ryan, Helen Hunt, Pedro Pascal, Juliette Lewis, Anne Archer, Mary Louise Parker, Catherine Keener, Dermot Mulroney, Minnie Driver, Ellen Barkin, Carla Gugino, Alan Cumming, Jennifer Garner, Demián Bichir, and Marlo Thomas lend their names to her marketing campaign. Charlize Theron, Sarah Paulson, Jennifer Aniston, Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Courteney Cox all hosted screenings for her as effectively.
There have been additionally two main public relations corporations employed to run occasions and advocate for her marketing campaign. To counsel it was fully grassroots is a major exaggeration.
One AMPAS member the Academy member could also be talking to straight is Frances Fischer. The “Titanic” star posted a number of instances on Instagram encouraging fellow appearing department members to see the film, however one, specifically, ranked the highest contenders within the discipline and famous, “To ensure Andrea gets a nomination I’m turning the list upside down and putting her in 1st position.” The Academy may decide Francis damaged Oscar marketing campaign rule 11, “References to Other Nominees,” in stated publish.
Mary McCormack, the spouse of “To Leslie” director Michael Morris has been criticized for over-politicking for Riseborough. The “West Wing” star isn’t a member of the Academy.
Despite Riseborough’s shock nomination, this pundit wrote about Riseborough’s assist in a column on Jan. 9 and then predicted she would earn a nomination on Jan. 20.
The ninety fifth Academy Awards will likely be handed out on March 12 and broadcast reside on ABC starting at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.