Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar scrutiny is elitist – Christina Ricci

Christina Ricci is excited to revisit the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Oscar campaign following Andrea Riseborough’s surprise Best Actress nomination for star Leslie.

“Yellowjackets” and “Wednesday” star Ricci wrote on Instagram that Riseborough’s “rightfully brilliant performance” was undermined by an “elitist” investigation.

“It seems funny that the ‘surprise designation’ (meaning that a lot of money wasn’t spent on this actress’ position) against a legitimately brilliant performance is under scrutiny,” wrote Ricci (via The independent). “So only movies and actors can afford the recognition? I feel like it’s elitist and exclusive, and frankly, it’s very backward to me.”

Ricci noted that Riseborough’s Oscar nomination would be “tainted” by this investigation, adding that he had “nothing to do with the campaign” by speaking out.

“If they lose, shame on them,” Ricci said of the possibility of Riseborough’s nomination being withdrawn.

“To Leslie,” in which Riseborough plays an alcoholic and former lottery winner, grossed $27,000 in theaters, making it one of the lowest-grossing films ever to receive an Oscar nomination. A-listers including Gwyneth Paltrow, Cate Blanchett, Kate Winslet, Charlize Theron, Amy Adams, Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Paulson, Edward Norton and Jane Fonda publicly supported Riseborough’s grassroots campaign for a Best Actress Oscar nomination.

Infinity Pool helmer Brandon Cronenberg, who directed Riseborough in Possessor , told IndieWire that the Oscars are “subjective and deeply political” but ultimately recognize Riseborough as “one of the best actresses working right now.” .

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launched an investigation into this year’s nominees and announced, “The Academy aims to ensure that the awards competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive awards process. “

The “To Leslie” team emailed Academy members directly to lobby for the film’s inclusion, citing reports of Instagram campaigns. However, neither tactic is clearly against the Academy’s voting rules.

The statement continued: “We are reviewing the campaign procedures of this year’s candidates to ensure that they have not violated the guidelines and to inform you if the guidelines may need to be changed in the new era of social media and digital communications. We believe in the integrity of our nomination and voting processes and support genuine grassroots campaigns for outstanding achievements.”

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