Oscars: Academy sets new campaign rules and regulations after Andrea Riseborough controversy; Social media, impressions taken

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences released updated rules and regulations for the 96th annual Academy Awards on Monday. The changes include clarifications regarding campaigns, an issue that gained notoriety last season when Andrea Riseborough’s campaign earned her a Best Actress nomination.

Henceforth, AMPAS rules now officially recognize private events and general meetings (e.g. those by individual members of the Actors Branch when Riseborough’s film is screened, To Lesley, to other friends who happened to be Oscar voters). However, they do not recognize these as official FYC events, so companies are prohibited from sponsoring, organizing or supporting them.

The academy also clarified the rules for using social media, another method of Riseborough’s grassroots campaign that has sparked controversy. Members can use social media immediately, but not to discuss voting preferences, decisions, strategy or eligibility requirements (including the new inclusion standards to promote diversity in hiring).

The Riseborough campaign, which went straight to members on social media for a little-seen film, led to a nomination for the star. But the main thing that seems to be holding the Academy back is posts like an Instagram by Frances Fisher urging members to watch the film and not worry about voting for them, like other actresses (she named four) “locks “was. Something like this is now so clearly exaggerated in the books, despite Fisher’s good intentions to simply draw attention to a performance she felt was worth seeing.

Read the full list of new AMPAS campaign rules here.

Other changes made today include expanding violations and penalties, including the conduct review process for film companies and individuals, and creating a process for reporting concerns.

Read the full list of rules here.

The academy also limits the number of “hosted” (usually by a star or filmmaker) shows to a maximum of four in phase one and eliminates them entirely after nominations. On the other hand, the group has increased the ability to hold any number of Q&A and panel discussions by allowing unlimited numbers throughout the season.

Additionally, AMPAS has doubled down on the use of purely digital communications, essentially banning the sending or use of paper invitations or other screening systems, etc. As before, digital communication will be coordinated by the academy.

Companies are now free to indicate in ads whether a film is “shortlisted” after the shortlists are out, which was previously not allowed in FYC ads or emails.

In addition, AMPAS emphasized strict restrictions on the type of campaign activities governors are allowed and said they must remain neutral in public.