Andrea Riseborough Breaks Silence on Controversial Oscar Nomination for the First Time

Andrea Riseborough is speaking out for the first time over her controversial Oscar nomination.

The 41-year-old actress was nominated for Best Actress for her role in To Leslie, which sparked a big debate about the validity of her nomination.

While the Academy did do an investigation, they agreed to retain Andrea‘s nomination.

Now, she’s speaking out about the ordeal.

Keep reading to find out more…

Talking to The Hollywood Reporter, Andrea admitted that the nomination caught her by surprise, but so did the backlash to it as well.

“I think once I have time to process everything, I might understand it a bit better,” she shared with the outlet.

She added about the debacle: “It’s been confusing, and it’s wonderful the film’s getting seen. I suppose it’s a really bright ray of light. When any of us engage in anything, we want for that piece of work to be absorbed in some way. You can’t control how people absorb it.”

“Awards campaigning is as acerbically exclusive as it has always been. I do not yet know which measures will best encourage meritocracy. I’ve been working toward discovering them and will continue to.”

Andrea said that the controversy kicked off an important and “necessary” conversation.

“The film industry is abhorrently unequal in terms of opportunity. I’m mindful not to speak for the experience of other people because they are better placed to speak, and I want to listen,” she says. “I am grateful for the conversation because it must be had. It has deeply impacted me.”

Michelle Yeoh, who is also up for Best Actress, defended Andrea‘s nomination as well.