Did actress Andrea Riseborough use the “help from a friend” joker to get a nomination at the recent Oscars?
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will look into the matter after reports emerged that the To Leslie director used his friendships with several Hollywood figures to secure a nomination for Riseborough.
The star’s name made a surprise appearance in the Best Actress in a Leading Role category. Riseborough has no other nominations this season for the film industry. The advertising campaign for her film To Lesli also does not boast particularly remarkable dimensions.
However, word of mouth was said to have spread through the actress’ superb performance in the indie drama, which led to her nomination.
However, an investigation by journalist Mark Belloni shows otherwise. In his What I Am Hearing column for Puck, he says that Riseborough made the Oscars list thanks to To Lesli director Michael Morris.
Morris is said to have run a behind-the-scenes campaign calling a number of celebrities asking them to endorse Riseborough so that, along with her nomination, his film could generate revenue.
Actresses Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Charlize Theron, Amy Adams and Kate Winslet are said to have responded to Morris’ request.
Social media also drew attention to Riseborough’s unexpected appearance on the Best Actor list, accusing the Academy of racism.
“The Hollywood cult of Andrea Riseborough is bigger than Tom Cruise’s Scientology,” wrote one Twitter account.
“The problem isn’t that a long list of white actresses will be lucky enough to beat out Andrea Riseborough. The problem is that no one felt the need to nominate minorities in the leading categories,” wrote another.
Director James Cameron also joined the mass outcry over the neglect of Viola Davis in The Warrior Woman.
On Friday, the Academy said it would investigate the reasons behind Andrea Riseborough’s nomination and announce its decision on January 31.
“The aim is to ensure that the competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner. We are reviewing the procedures to ensure that no guidelines are broken in the new age of social media and digital communication. We have confidence in our nomination and voting procedures.” said the Academy’s statement.
The independent film To Leslie was shot during the 2020 pandemic and released at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. The story features Andrea Riseborough as a single mother whose life is turned upside down after winning the lottery.
Although the film received dozens of rave reviews upon its release, its revenue was dismal. To Leslie managed to earn just $27,000 from its theatrical run.
In his column, journalist Mark Belloni suggests that the director tried to reverse that trend and make up for a lackluster publicity campaign with a nomination, but it generated more buzz than he had hoped.
