Christina Ricci is speaking out against the film Academy's decision to review Andrea Riseborough's Best Actress nomination.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced they would be reviewing Riseborough's nomination for her performance in the indie film To Leslie after the British actress' grassroots campaigning–which led to the nomination–raised concerns.
The Yellowjackets actress ripped the "elitist" Academy on Instagram but later deleted the comment.
"Seems hilarious that the 'surprise nomination' (meaning tons of money wasn't spent to position this actress) of a legitimately brilliant performance is being met with an investigation."
"So it's only the films and actors that can afford the campaigns that deserve recognition?"
"Feels elitist and exclusive and frankly very backward to me. And I'm sure [Riseborough] had nothing to do with the campaigning."
Ricci finished:
"These things aren't controlled or decided by the actors themselves and yet now her nomination will be tainted by this. And if it's taken away shame on them."
To Leslie received an outpouring of recognition on social media from A-listers such as Kate Winslet, Cate Blanchett, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Edward Norton, effectively promoting Riseborough's performance and subsequently scoring her a nomination, which starkly contrasted with studios' traditional campaign efforts (i.e. word of mouth versus $$).
Several on social media agreed with Ricci: campaigning is campaigning regardless of funds and/or the people doing the promoting.
Many, however, stand with the Academy amidst allegations that Riseborough's social media praise from Hollywood icons may have developed far from organically.
According to Matthew Belloni, actor Mary McCormack, who is also the wife of To Leslie's director, personally reached out to celebrities asking them to watch the film and publicly share their positive reviews.
And many expressed their anger that two actors of color whom many considered deserving of a nomination–Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler–were overlooked in favor of Riseborough.
@TheatreofZen/Twitter
Without naming Riseborough directly, the Academy made a statement regarding the investigation.
"We are committed to ensuring an inclusive awards process."
"We are conducting a review of the campaign procedures around this year's nominees, to ensure that no guidelines were violated, and to inform us whether changes to the guidelines may be needed in a new era of social media and digital communication."
"We have confidence in the integrity of our nomination and voting procedures, and support genuine grassroots campaigns for outstanding performances."
The Academy's board of governors is set to meet this week to address the controversy.
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