Yahoo News Robbie Williams responds to Better Man song being disqualified by Oscars
Robbie Williams has responded to the news that a song from Better Man, the biopic of his own life, was disqualified from contention at the 97th Academy Awards.
The film, which was directed by Michael Gracey, charts the singer’s journey from his upbringing in Stoke-on-Trent to his part in boyband Take That and subsequent solo career, with the pop star being depicted as a CGI chimpanzee.
Following its release in cinemas in December, the film garnered a nomination for Best Original Song with ‘Forbidden Road’ at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, with the tune also being in the initial shortlist for the corresponding award at March’s Oscars ceremony.
Related: Robbie Williams reveals "quite embarrassing" Better Man experience
This decision was reversed just a few days later, however, with the song being disqualified from contention after it was found to have incorporated material from another tune, with the decision being reached to “honour” and “protect” both the “rules” and “category” (via Variety).
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Williams, who narrated the film, spoke about the disqualification with Deadline as he walked on the red carpet at the Golden Globes, remarking: “Listen, the rules are the rules, and you have to go by them. And it would’ve been nice, but as an introvert it’s another party that I don’t have to go to.
"I went through it, I’m on the other side and it’s all good. I’m at the Globes and they’re showing me loads of love,” he continued, with the singer jokingly thanking the interviewer for “being annoyed on [his] behalf.”
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Williams had previously explained the decision to be depicted as a chimpanzee, saying that he was onboard with the idea when it was pitched by Gracey, recalling on The One Show: “Jonno Davies is the actor behind the CGI chimpanzee, me, who does a remarkable, incredible job.
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“Why was that? I dunno, it was in [Gracey's] head. I love eccentricity, and I love unusual, and I love surreal. It made complete sense to me as soon as he pitched it to me. I don't know if this film would be as talked-about if it hadn't had the monkey in it… It all makes sense when you see it.”
Better Man is in cinemas now.
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