The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences attempted to quell the controversy over “To Leslie” star Andrea Riseborough’s unexpected Best Actress nomination after a Board of Governors meeting this morning. The organization sent a note to members saying no actions will be taken in this particular case, but they will continue to clarify regulations in this era of social media. Most observers did not believe Riseborough’s nomination would ever be rescinded.

READ MORE: Marc Maron defends “To Leslie” co-star Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination

The Academy noted to members, “Based on concerns that surfaced last week around the TO LESLIE awards campaign, the Academy began a review into the film’s campaigning tactics.

Continue reading Academy Board of Governors Taking No Action Over Andrea Riseborough Controversy at The Playlist.

The surprise Best Actress Oscar nomination for Andrea Riseborough’s performance in the drama “To Leslie” is still causing some angst in Hollywood, given the project had little-to-no money and no traditional Oscar campaign behind it, shocking the industry in the process. Instead, a last-minute grassroots campaign to get the actress a nomination was fueled by peers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Jennifer Aniston, Charlize Theron, Sarah Paulson, Edward Norton, and others.

Continue reading Marc Maron & Christina Ricci Defend Andrea Riseborough’s Surprise Best Actress Oscar Nomination For ‘To Leslie’ at The Playlist.

It looked as though the 2023 Oscar season would be the first in over a decade without some sort of scandal in its midst. After the events of the past week, that does not appear to be the case. The “surprise” nomination of Andrea Riseborough in the Best Actress category has prompted concern over what was sold as a “grassroots” campaign to the media and general public.

READ MORE: Oscars 2023 Snubs and Surprises: Taylor Swift, Viola Davis, Brian Tyree Henry and more

In a statement released today, The Academy noted:

“It is the Academy’s goal to endure that the Awards competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive awards process.

Continue reading Andrea Riseborough Oscars Controversy Prompts Academy Campaign Review at The Playlist.

Addiction is one of the most tragic diseases that a person can fight. No matter your situation in life, if you are an addict, you will likely find some way to crash and burn. That’s exactly the case in the new film, “To Leslie.”

As seen in the trailer for “To Leslie,” the film follows the story of a woman who wins the lottery and is excited to find out how the life-changing money will help her and her family.

Continue reading ‘To Leslie’ Trailer: Andrea Riseborough Stars As An Alcoholic Who Wins The Lotto In Michael Morris’ Drama at The Playlist.

The opening credit sequence of Michael Morris’ “To Leslie” is a real roller coaster ride, and thus appropriate preparation for the emotional turmoil to follow. We meet the title character (Andrea Riseborough) via a series of photos, mostly family snapshots: happy memories, a young woman coming of age, getting married, having a baby. And then the mood shifts, to stark close-ups of bruises on her face – police evidence photos.

Continue reading ‘To Leslie’ Review: Andrea Riseborough Chalks Up Another Stunning Performance In A Harrowing Addiction Drama [SXSW] at The Playlist.

After being the first major film festival hit by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic—the unfortunate timing couldn’t have been worse, March 2020 as the virus first started causing lockdowns around the U.S. — and having to cancel that year, SXSW has been arguably hit the hardest of all the festivals in North America. 2021 SXSW had to go virtual as the virus issues persisted, but this year, the festival is finally triumphantly back in person.

Continue reading 2022 SXSW Film Festival: 15 Must-See Film & TV Projects at The Playlist.