Andrea Riseborough has stated that the controversy regarding her Oscar nomination has “deeply affected” her.
Her unexpected inclusion in the category of the leading actress, while black actresses were excluded, has sparked heated discussion in Hollywood in recent weeks.
Riseborough stated that she was “realizing what the nomination signifies for me and others.”
She described the film business as “horrendously unequal” in her first interview following the debate.
She told the Hollywood Reporter, “I am thankful for the discussion because it is necessary.” It 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 revealed 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 starring role in Leslie, in which she portrays an alcoholic mother in Texas who is battling to make ends meet after spending her $190,000 (£157,000) lottery winnings.
Nomination row “deeply affected” Andrea Riseborough
In response to Deadwyler’s exclusion from the category for her portrayal in Till, the film’s director, Chinonye Chukwu, accused Hollywood of “unabashed misogyny towards Black women.”
Deadwyler played Mamie Till-Mobley, a distraught mother who seeks justice after her son is lynched in Till. The actress’s portrayal garnered widespread critical praise.
Deadwyler’s snub in the category prompted accusations of misogynoir, which alludes to misogyny directed at Black women, within the Academy.
When asked how she felt about the issue, Riseborougbh responded: “It’s been perplexing… I believe that once I have had time to process everything, I will have a greater grasp of it.”
She went on: “Awards marketing has always been as abrasively exclusive as it is now. I do not yet know which steps will promote meritocracy most effectively. I’ve been pursuing their discovery and will continue to do so.”
Riseborough was nominated after several Hollywood A-listers campaigned for her, organizing screenings of To Leslie for Academy members and praising the film via social media.
In November, Helen Hunt was one of the first prominent figures to draw notice to the film. Blanchett, Kate Winslet, Edward Norton, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sarah Paulson were quickly followed by other actors, including Kate Winslet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Jennifer Aniston.
Why had the grassroots movement not advocated for black actresses?
Deadwyler stated that Hollywood was “deeply affected by systemic racism.”
Riseborough, addressing the controversy, stated: “Not only does it make sense for this discussion to be initiated, but it is also essential.
“The film business is abhorrently unequal about access to opportunities. I am careful not to speak for the experiences of others, as they are in a superior position to do so, and I prefer to listen.”
In an interview with Radio 4’s Today program earlier this month, colleague nominee 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 nod.
“Every actor and actress pour their hearts and souls into these films. But you don’t immediately assume you will be nominated. The narratives we wish to convey are more significant.”
After reviewing the campaign that led to Riseborough’s nomination, the Academy. Which is responsible for the Oscars, has stated that they will not withdraw her nomination.
Nevertheless, they added: “Concerning social media and marketing campaign strategies were discovered. These tactics 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 explicitly referencing other actresses while promoting Riseborough.
Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are permitted to advocate for a particular actor. But are prohibited from openly comparing them to competitors.
Riseborough is not the only actor whose nomination in the category for best actress sparked controversy.
Williams sought a leading actor nomination despite her supporting role in Steven Spielberg’s The Fabelmans.
