Oscar clamps down on aggressive campaigning

REEL NEWS:It is supposedly change at the Oscars. A few months ago it was announced that the nominations for best picture would henceforth number no fewer than five and no more than 10. Now, the Academy is seeking to cut down on excessive campaigning.

The changes aim to reduce the number of promotional beanos that Academy members can attend in the run-up to the ceremony. Once the nominations have been announced there will be an outright ban on screenings that include free food and booze. Moreover, actors and directors from any one film will not be allowed to participate in more than two panel discussions.

The moves have been made following repeated complaints from independent film-makers that the studios – shouldering big promotional budgets – have an unfair advantage when it comes to attracting the Academy’s eye. The stories surrounding the activities of Miramax pictures in the 1990s were particularly troubling. Little presents here. Batches of DVDs there.

Last year, concerned that her people weren't doing enough, Melissa Leo paid for her own campaign and ended up taking home the best supporting actress statuette for The Fighter.

Still, the changes do not sound particularly radical. The Academy has not, for example, placed any restrictions on those “For Your Consideration” ads that clutter up publications in the winter months. Expect things to remain much as they were.