The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will not take punitive measures against Oscar nominee Andrea Riseborough or those who lobbied her at to Leslie, the group announced Tuesday.
“The Academy has determined that the activity has not escalated to the point where the film’s nomination should be withdrawn,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer
said in a statement. He later added: “However, we did identify social media and outreach tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being discussed directly with the responsible parties.”
The decision came after the College’s 322 Board of Governors held their regular monthly meeting earlier in the day, The internal review of Riseborough’s campaign was high on the agenda. The review is in response to extensive conversation and debate about the unconventional grassroots efforts that drove Riseborough’s surprise nomination, which in The nomination announcement last Tuesday.
Apart from members of the cast department, almost no members of the academy have heard of The 41 year old Brit was singled out in the movie. After its premiere at last year’s SXSW, To Leslie received critical acclaim for its leading lady, but was sold to an American Distributor, Momentum Pictures , which lacked the resources to get it into theaters (it grossed just $,41 Nominated in Riseborough before) or awards push.
However, the nomination Come morning, that’s okay, because the Academy’s acting division alone decides Oscar acting nominees, and they’re heavily lobbied by the Riseborough champions – including to Leslie director, Michael Morris ; Morris’ wife, actress Mary McCormack ; Riseborough’s managers and publicists; and some of their famous actor friends and acquaintances – watch and consider publicly supporting the film.
Among those who did praise Riseborough’s work on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram were Susan Sarandon, Helen Hunt, Zooey Deschanel, Mira Sorvino , Constance Zimmer , Rosie O ‘Donnell, Alan Cumming and Riseborough’s Birdman
co-stars Edward Norton . (Norton tweeted that Riseborough’s performance “shocked me.”) And Charlize Theron , Jennifer Aniston , Courteney Cox , Minnie Drye F , Gwyneth Paltrow , Amy Adams and Kate Winslet all hosted events – some in-person, others virtually – for the actresses. (Winslet declared at her party, “I think it’s the greatest female performance on screen I’ve ever seen in my life.”)
Many Industry watchers are in awe and awe at the number of big names who have hit the ball for Riseborough and achieved success. However, others have criticized the campaign, pointing out that not every Oscar hopeful gets the kind of card holder the Riseborough winner did, and also objecting to the actress Frances Fisher’s deleted Instagram post which means people should vote for Riseborough because the other four “safe” Best Actress Oscar nominees don’t need their votes, two of them — Danielle Deadwyler of Till
and Viola Davis of The Woman King – was not nominated.
In his statement, Kramer said the Academy’s rules around social media activity will be tightened in the future: “In light of this review, it is clear that the rules must be clarified.” components to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive and fair campaigns. These changes will be made after this award cycle and will be shared with our members.”
Kramer’s full statement follows.
Based on concerns that surfaced last week surrounding the TO LESLIE awards campaign, the Academy began reviewing the film’s campaign strategy. The Academy has determined that related activity has not escalated to the extent that the film’s nomination should be withdrawn. However, we did find social media and outreach tactics that got noticed. These policies are being addressed directly with the responsible parties.
The purpose of the College Election Rules is to ensure fairness and ethics The awarding process – these are the core values of the College. In light of this review, it is clear that the components of the statute must be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive and fair campaigning. These changes will be made after this reward cycle and will be shared with our members. The Academy strives to create an environment where voting is based solely on the artistic and technical merit of eligible films and achievements. 1235308100
