Alone Yet Not Alone shocked Hollywood with its Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
Not only was it a small budget faith-based film, it had also barely played in theaters and few had even heard of it!
In fact, the nod was so surprising it had some in the industry crying foul. Especially since its composer Bruce Boughton was once the Governor of the Academy’s music branch!
But was that really a conflict? Not necessarily, but it turns out Mr. Boughton DID use it to his advantage! He admitted to personally contacting Academy members and urging them to vote for the song!
He didn’t think he did anything wrong, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences decided differently! For only the fifth time in Oscar history, the Board of Governors has revoked the film’s nomination!
In a surprise announcement president Cheryl Boone Isaacs explained the board’s position, saying:
“No matter how well-intentioned the communication, using one├óΓé¼Γäós position as a former governor and current executive committee member to personally promote one├óΓé¼Γäós own Oscar submission creates the appearance of an unfair advantage.”
So does this mean a second chance for eligible snubbees Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Lana Del Rey?
Unfortunately no. 2014 will just have to make due with the four remaining nominees.
Since you won’t be hearing it on the Oscars stage, you can listen to the title track (below) for Alone Yet Not Alone and decide for yourself if its nomination was unfair.
[Image via Enthuse Entertainment.]