Andrea Riseborough, a British actress, has caused a lot of commotion in this year's Oscars due to her best-actress nomination for the indie drama film "To Leslie." The film, which only grossed $27,322 at the box office, caught the attention of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences because of the unique way in which
Riseborough's candidacy was promoted. The film's director, Michael Morris, and his wife, Mary McCormack, used grassroots efforts to urge celebrities to see the film and spread the word about Riseborough's performance on social media. This unexpected nomination has disrupted the usual way of promoting candidates and raised questions about the future of Oscar campaigns.
Riseborough, who has been a part of the film and theater industry for 15 years, is known for her chameleonic performances. Her notable credits include "Happy-Go-Lucky," "Birdman," "The Death of Stalin," "Mandy," "Amsterdam," and "Matilda the Musical." Her Oscar nomination might also be a recognition of her body of work in independent films.
Although Riseborough's late-breaking campaign did not seem like it would land her a nomination, her performance in "To Leslie" was already nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. Riseborough's nomination surprised many, as she was competing against Cate Blanchett, Michelle Williams, Ana de Armas, and Michelle Yeoh. Two highly regarded performances by Viola Davis and Danielle Deadwyler were left out, sparking discussions about the exclusion of Black women from the category.
Riseborough's campaign was different from other acting nominees, who usually participate in Oscar campaigns to promote their performances and encourage voters to watch their films. This year, there were rules limiting the events and promotions during the voting period. However, Riseborough's supporters managed to draw attention to her performance without relying on money or veteran strategists. Instead, they counted on A-list celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Amy Adams, and Courteney Cox to host screenings for the film and spread the word.
In conclusion, Andrea Riseborough's best-actress nomination for "To Leslie" has disrupted the usual way of promoting Oscar candidates and sparked discussions about the future of Oscar campaigns. Her nomination might also be a recognition of her body of work in independent films.
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