Film academy says it will not disqualify surprise Oscar nominee Riseborough

LOS ANGELES, Jan 31 (Reuters) – The Hollywood Film Academy will not rescind the unexpected best actress nomination for ‘To Leslie’ star Andrea Riseborough, the group’s chief executive said on Tuesday after a consideration of an aggressive campaign on its behalf.

Riseborough was nominated for Best Actress for playing an alcoholic single mother in the little-seen film, a shock to awards pundits who didn’t expect her to be in the mix.

The surprise nomination sparked questions about whether a campaign for Riseborough violated lobbying rules set out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Several A-list stars posted comments on social media praising her performance.

[1/2] Cast member Andrea Riseborough arrives at the premiere of ‘Matilda the Musical’ in London, Britain November 21, 2022. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska

On Tuesday, Academy CEO Bill Kramer said the organization “has determined that the activity in question does not rise to the level for the film’s nomination to be rescinded.”

Latest updates

See 2 more stories

“However, we have uncovered social media and outreach campaign tactics that have raised concern. These tactics are being addressed directly with responsible parties,” Kramer added.

The academy limits how studios can contact voters, how often, and what they can say in all communications as part of their Oscar campaigns.

Oscar winners will be announced on March 12.

Reporting by Lisa Richwine; edited by Jonathan Oatis

Our standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.