A huge surprise. Andrea Riseborough scored an Oscar nomination in January 2023 for his performance in For Leslie — and an unexpected Best Actress in a Leading Role nod quickly led to an investigation.
“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,” the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said in a statement on Friday, January 27. . “We are conducting a review of campaign procedures regarding this year’s nominations, to ensure that no guidelines have been violated, and to inform you that changes to these guidelines may be necessary in the new era of social media and digital communication.”
The organization concluded: “We are confident in the integrity of the nominations and election procedures, and support the genuine grassroots campaign for its outstanding performance.”
Although not named directly, it is believed that the investigation questions the campaign for Riseborough’s nomination. For Leslie, an indie drama about alcohol, was released in October to little fanfare and only made about $27,000 at the box office. There is minimal promotion, but the director Michael Morris and his wife, an actress Mary McCormackpushed to get A-list friends – including Edward Norton, Gwyneth Paltrow, Charlize Theron and more – to help spread the word about the film.
Kate Winslet called Riseborough’s performance “the greatest female performance on screen I’ve ever seen in my life” during a virtual Q&A. However, many shared their social media praise for the film with similar words, calling out For Leslie “a small movie with a big heart,” Vanity Fair report, sparking questions about how genuine these endorsements were.
Manager Riseborough Jason Weinberg and McCormack, 53, both helped push awards season considerations, the Puck media bulletin reported, citing one of West Wing email alum. “If you’re willing to post every day between now and Jan 17th, that’d be awesome! But whatever works, do whatever makes you feel good. And what’s better than posting a movie every day!” McCormack’s email allegedly read.
The Academy has strict rules regarding campaigns. Film companies are not allowed to send more than one email and one physical letter per week, and there are content guidelines that must be followed. Submissions must not include “Personal autographs, personal greetings, or requests to see the film” nor can “[extoll] benefit of the film, achievement or individual.”
According to the official rules, “Contacting members of the Academy directly and in a way outside the scope of these rules to promote films or achievements for Academy Award consideration is strictly prohibited.”
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