Andrea Riseborough’s Best Actress Oscar nomination for independent drama “To Leslie” will not be rescinded according to Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer in a statement.
Directed by Michael Morris, “To Leslie” grossed only $28,000 at the box office but has suddenly popped up on many people’s radar in the wake of the nomination and subsequent controversy.
The Academy announced last week it would be “conducting a review of campaign procedures” in the wake of Riseborough’s surprise nomination which came about via a low-cost grassroots campaigning and use of social media.
The board of governors deliberated at a previously scheduled meeting on Tuesday, which has led to this published statement. Kramer says:
“Based on concerns that surfaced last week around the ‘To Leslie’ awards campaign, the Academy began a review into the film’s campaigning tactics. The Academy has determined the activity in question does not rise to the level that the film’s nomination should be rescinded.
However, we did discover social media and outreach campaigning tactics that caused concern. These tactics are being addressed with the responsible parties directly.”
Kramer goes on to say the purpose of the Academy’s campaign regulations is to ensure a fair and ethical awards process. It says in the wake of this review, regulations will be changed to make things clearer:
“[It’s] apparent that components of the regulations must be clarified to help create a better framework for respectful, inclusive and unbiased campaigning. These changes will be made after this awards cycle and will be shared with our membership. The Academy strives to create an environment where votes are based solely on the artistic and technical merits of the eligible films and achievements.”
The Academy and its Board of Governors meet annually for a postmortem following its ceremony to discuss any potential changes to the show or its rules. The revisions to the rules and regulations will arrive after the Oscars ceremony on March 12th.
Source: THR
