Academy Won’t Withdraw Andrea Riseborough’s ‘To Leslie’ Oscar Nomination Despite Backlash, But ‘Tactics Are Addressed’

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said today it will do nothing to support Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination To Lesley. “The Academy has determined that the activity in question has not reached the level at which the film’s nomination should be withdrawn,” Bill Kramer, CEO of AMPAS, said in a statement (read it below).

The academy revised the campaign procedures surrounding this year’s Oscar nominees in response to Riseborough’s left-leaning baseline nomination for her little-seen film. She received an outpouring of support from co-stars in the weeks leading up to the nominations on January 24.

AMPAS also said last week it was considering “whether policy changes may be necessary in a new era of social media and digital communication.”

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 director Michael Morris turned to friends to discuss the film to to support. The shows were 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 widely listened to podcast WTF.

BOUND TOGETHER: Marc Maron blasts academy over Andrea Riseborough’s Oscars campaign review: ‘They were completely bought out by corporate interests’

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.

Several of these people and others have questioned the Academy’s assessment of the Riseborough name in the past week. Maron rips off the group on his podcast, saying, “Apparently the Academy of Motion Picture Sciences or whatever decided to investigate Andrea Riseborough’s grassroots campaign to get her the Oscar nomination, because I think it’s her .” System threatens as much as their position has been bought entirely by corporate interests in the form of studios.”

Taking to social media on Friday, Ricci said: “It seems hilarious that the ‘surprise nomination’ (meaning tons of money wasn’t spent nominating this actress) of a fairly brilliant performance is being scrutinized. So it’s just the films and the actors who do it.” Running campaigns that deserve recognition feels elitist and exclusive to me, and frankly, very backward.

Here is Kramer’s full statement:

“Based on concerns raised last week surrounding the TO LESLIE Awards campaign, the Academy has launched an investigation into the film’s campaign tactics. The Academy determined that the activity in question did not reach the level at which the film’s nomination should be withdrawn. However, we have identified social media tactics and outreach campaigns that give cause for concern. This tactic is discussed directly with those responsible.

“The purpose of the Academy’s Rules of Action is to ensure a fair and ethical awarding process – these are core values ​​of the Academy. In light of this review, it is clear that parts of the regulation need to be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive and impartial campaigns. These changes will be made after this grant cycle and 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 performances.”