‘Significant overhaul’ of Oscars social media and campaign rules after Andrea Riseborough nomination controversy
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced a raft of changes around social media and campaigning, following controversy surrounding one of this year’s top nominations.
British star Andrea Riseborough’s surprise Oscar nod for best actress for her role in low budget indie film To Leslie, followed endorsement from Hollywood heavyweights including Kate Winslet, Jennifer Aniston, Edward Norton and Cate Blanchett.
Not previously considered to be a contender in the race, some felt her nomination had come at the expense of black performers previously expected to make it into the category.
While a review found that no guidelines had been broken, and Riseborough’s nomination remained in place the Academy did say that “social media and outreach campaigning tactics” used by the film had “caused concern,” and that changes would subsequently be made.
Now, in what the Academy have called “the most significant overhaul since their inception in 1994,” there have been key updates to campaign promotional regulations and awards rules for next year.
Changes include clarification of rules regarding private events and gatherings, with individuals now able to host formal “for your consideration” events but prohibiting studios and companies from funding or endorsing them.
(L-R) This year’s big Oscar winners Ke Huy Quan, Michelle Yeoh, Brendan Fraser and Jamie Lee Curtis
Members cannot use social media to “encourage or discourage members to vote for any motion picture, performance, or achievement”.
Voters will no longer be able to speak to the media about their choices, even anonymously.
Studios can now only put on four “hosted” screenings in the pre-nomination period (these are normally celebrity led), however the new rules allow for an unlimited number of Q&As and panel discussions throughout the voting season.
And the Academy’s Board of Governors are completely barred from hosting private events, gatherings, screenings or moderating an event unless they have direct involvement with a film.
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The Academy has also expanded its language on regulation violations and penalties, including the process for reporting and reviewing a violation, and tweaked submission deadlines across various categories.
Next year the Oscars will introduce new diversity rules in a bid to improve representation in the industry, forcing studios to satisfy two of four criteria for their films to be eligible for best picture from 2024.
Entertainment
Gregg Wallace: Over half of allegations against MasterChef presenter substantiated, including one of unwanted physical contact
An investigation into Gregg Wallace’s “inappropriate behaviour” on MasterChef has found that more than half of the allegations against him have been substantiated, including one of “unwanted physical contact”.
MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK shared a summary of its report into historical allegations of misconduct against the 60-year-old presenter, carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin over seven months.
The report also said the number of sustained allegations made Wallace’s return to MasterChef “untenable”.
The investigation heard evidence from 78 witnesses, including 41 complainants.
There were 83 allegations against Wallace, and 45 of them were substantiated. All were related to MasterChef.
While the majority of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated.
One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated.
Nearly all the allegations against Wallace were related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018, with just one substantiated allegation taking place post-2018.
Wallace and Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2014
Ahead of the publication of the summary, Wallace had said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.
Additionally, the report summary found that there were also 10 standalone allegations about other people between 2012 and 2018/2019, two of which were substantiated. Those people were not named in the summary.
The investigation found that complaints had previously been raised with the production company between 2005 and 2024.
Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024
While the report flagged inadequate reporting procedures prior to 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine ahead of Banijay acquiring Endemol Shine in 2020, it said there were significant improvements to HR processes and training after 2016.
While the investigation said some formal action was taken by the BBC in 2017, it also noted the corporation held no information regarding concerns raised over Wallace centrally, resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Sky News has tried to contact Gregg Wallace for contact today.
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