The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences attempted to quell the controversy over “To Leslie” star Andrea Riseborough’s unexpected Best Actress nomination after a Board of Governors meeting this morning. The organization sent a note to members saying no actions will be taken in this particular case, but they will continue to clarify regulations in this era of social media. Most observers did not believe Riseborough’s nomination would ever be rescinded.
READ MORE: Marc Maron defends “To Leslie” co-star Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination
The Academy noted to members, “Based on concerns that surfaced last week around the TO LESLIE awards campaign, the Academy began a review into the film’s campaigning tactics. The Academy has determined the activity in question does not rise to the level that the film’s nomination should be rescinded. However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being addressed with the responsible parties directly.
The purpose of the Academy’s campaign regulations is to ensure a fair and ethical awards process—these are core values of the Academy. Given this review, it is apparent that components of the regulations must be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive, and unbiased campaigning. These changes will be made after this awards cycle and will be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an environment where votes are based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible films and achievements.”
Riseborough’s “grassroots” campaign came under scrutiny after she earned a surprise Best Actress nomination last week. The “To Leslie” star had an landed Independent Spirit Award nomination but been shut out of a nod from all the other major precursor honors such as the SAG Awards and BAFTA Awards. The veteran Hollywood actress also hadn’t won any major critics group honors making many industry observers question her candidacy.
While Riseborough didn’t have the benefit of trade ads or billboards, she did have a large number of acting branch members including 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 campaign. Charlize Theron, Sarah Paulson, Jennifer Aniston, Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Courteney Cox all hosted screenings for her as well.
There were also two major public relations firms hired to run events and advocate for her campaign. To suggest it was completely grassroots is a significant exaggeration.
One AMPAS member the Academy member may be speaking to directly is Frances Fischer. The “Titanic” star posted multiple times on Instagram encouraging fellow acting branch members to see the movie, but one, in particular, ranked the top contenders in the field and noted, “To ensure Andrea gets a nomination I’m turning the list upside down and putting her in 1st position.” The Academy could determine Francis broken Oscar campaign rule 11, “References to Other Nominees,” in said post.
Mary McCormack, the wife of “To Leslie” director Michael Morris has been criticized for over-politicking for Riseborough. The “West Wing” star is not a member of the Academy.
Despite Riseborough’s surprise nomination, this pundit wrote about Riseborough’s support in a column on Jan. 9 and then predicted she would earn a nomination on Jan. 20.
The 95th Academy Awards will be handed out on March 12 and broadcast live on ABC beginning at 5 PM PT/8 PM ET.