Academy “Part of Campaign Procedure Review” days after Oscar Noms reveal

Speculation about possible irregularities in the Oscars campaign following this week’s unveiling of the nominations prompted the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to issue a statement today saying it was “conducting a review of campaign processes surrounding the nominations that was carried out this week”.

The organization also said it is considering “whether policy changes may be necessary in a new era of social media and digital communication.” Read a speaker’s full statement below.

The AMPAS statement does not name a specific film or person, but some suggest it is a response to Andrea Risebourogh’s surprise nomination for the little-watched drama. To Lesley. Speaking to Deadline on Tuesday after her name day, she said: “I’m amazed. … It was so hard to believe it could ever happen because we really weren’t in the running for anything else. Although we had a lot of support, the idea that it would actually happen seemed so far away.

To Lesley grossed just over $27,000 during its brief theatrical run in October, making it one of the lowest-grossing films ever to receive an Oscar nomination. With almost no budget available for an awards campaign, the clients took it upon themselves to ensure the picture was submitted and uploaded to the Academy’s screening portal, and Riseborough and Morris turned to friends to support the film. Screenings have been moderated by Charlize Theron, Gwyneth Paltrow, Courteney Cox, Edward Norton, Jennifer Aniston and Minnie Driver, among others. To Lesley Co-star Marc Maron hosted Riseborough on his popular podcast WTF.

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In the final days before voting ended, a social media campaign led by these stars and others including Demi Moore, Jane Fonda, Naomi Watts, Kate Winslet, Laura Dern, Frances Fisher and many more put the spotlight on Riseborough thrown.

Here is the Academy’s full statement:

It is the Academy’s aim to ensure that the award competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner and we are committed to an inclusive award process.

We are reviewing campaign procedures around this year’s nominees to ensure no policies have been violated and to let us know if policy changes may be necessary in a new age of social media and digital communications.

We trust the integrity of our nomination and voting processes and support genuine grassroots campaigns for excellence.

Erik Pedersen contributed to this report.