Forbidden Rdthe original Robbie Williams song written for Better Manhis soon-to-be-released biopic, was left off the Oscar shortlist for best original song.
Yesterday morning, members of the Academy's Music Branch received a letter (obtained from Rolling Stone US) which announced the disqualification. The reason given in the letter is that Forbidden Rd would have «incorporated material from an existing song that was not written» for Better Man.
Although the letter did not explicitly mention the other song, an Academy representative confirmed that it is I Got a Namea 1973 song by Jim Croce written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, used as the theme of the film The devil of the steering wheel. Interestingly, Fox is also one of the three governors of the Academy's Music Branch.
The Oscars' Best Original Song category follows very strict eligibility rules: Songs must contain words and music that are “original and written specifically for the film.” The letter sent to members of the music section states that the executive committee “met and reviewed the material,” determining that Forbidden Rd does not meet these criteria. “This is a decision that respects our rules and protects the special nature of the song and original score categories,” the letter reads.
Representatives for Williams and Fox did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Rolling Stone US.
