Andrea Riseborough has stated that the controversy surrounding her Oscar candidacy has “seriously affected” her. Her unexpected inclusion in the category of the leading actress, while black women were excluded, has sparked heated controversy in Hollywood in recent weeks.
Riseborough stated that she was “realizing what the nomination means for me and others.”
She labeled the film industry as “horrendously unequal” in her first interview following the argument.
She told the Hollywood Reporter, “I am thankful for the conversation because it is necessary.” That has had a profound effect on me.
This year, it was generally anticipated that black actresses such as Danielle Deadwyler and Viola Davis would contend for the award for best actress.
When nominations were announced in January, however, neither candidate was present. Instead, Cate Blanchett and Michelle Yeoh were recognized in addition to Riseborough, Ana de Armas, and Michelle Williams.
Riseborough was nominated for her major role in Leslie, in which she portrays an alcoholic mother in Texas who is struggling to make ends meet after spending her $190,000 (£157,000) lottery winnings.
In response to Deadwyler’s exclusion from the category for her portrayal in Till, the film’s director, Chinonye Chukwu, accused Hollywood of “unabashed racism towards Black women.”
In the 1950s-set film Till, Deadwyler portrayed Mamie Till-Mobley, a devastated mother who strives for justice after her son is lynched. The actress’s performance garnered much critical praise.
The Academy was accused of misogynoir due to the snub of Deadwyler in the category. Misogynoir refers to misogyny directed at black women.
When asked how she felt about the situation, Riseborough responded:
“It’s been perplexing… I believe that once I have had time to analyze everything, I will have a better grasp of it.”
She went on:
“Awards campaigning has always been as abrasively exclusive as it is now. I do not yet know which measures will promote meritocracy most effectively. I’ve been pursuing their discovery and will continue to do so.”
Riseborough was nominated after a number of Hollywood A-listers campaigned for her, holding screenings of To Leslie for Academy members and praising the film on social media.
In November, Helen Hunt was one of the first prominent figures to attract attention to the picture. Blanchett, Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sarah Paulson were soon joined by other performers, including Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Jennifer Aniston.
The ostensibly grass-roots initiative generated inquiries as to why the same effort had not been devoted to pushing for black actresses.
When asked about her snub on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour earlier this month, Deadwyler stated that Hollywood was “seriously influenced by systematic racism.”
Riseborough, addressing the controversy, stated: “Not only does it make sense for this conversation to be initiated, but it is also essential.
“The film industry is abhorrently unequal with regard to access to opportunities. I am careful not to speak for the experiences of others, as they are in a better position to do so, and I prefer to listen.”
In an interview with Radio 4’s Today program earlier this month, fellow contender Yeoh stated:
“I adore [Viola and Danielle] and wish we were all receiving Oscars, but it’s difficult. It took me forty years just to receive a nomination.
“Every actor and actress pour their hearts and souls into these films, but you don’t always assume you will be nominated. The narratives we wish to tell are more significant.”
After evaluating the campaign that led to Riseborough’s nomination, the Academy, which is responsible for the Oscars, has stated that they would not withdraw her candidacy.
Yet, they added:
“Concerning social media and outreach campaign strategies were discovered. These techniques are being addressed immediately with the parties responsible.”
It is believed that the official To Leslie account and some individual Academy members may have violated the rules by directly referencing other actresses when endorsing Riseborough.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are permitted to advocate for a particular actor but are prohibited from publicly comparing them to competitors.
Riseborough is not the only actress whose nomination in the category for best actress sparked debate.
Williams lobbied for a nomination as a starring actress despite the fact that many viewed her work in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans as supporting.
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