Robbie Williams is facing disappointment after his song "Forbidden Road" has been disqualified from the Oscar nomination shortlist for Best Original Song. The track, part of his upcoming biopic Better Man, was initially shortlisted but was removed from consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences due to similarities to the 1973 song "I Got a Name" by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, famously performed by Jim Croce.
The track, which was created collaboratively by Williams, Freddie Wexler, and Sasha Skarbek, was deemed not original enough to meet the Academy's stringent rules requiring submissions to be composed explicitly for the film. A letter documenting the decision was sent to over 400 members of the music branch, explaining the reasons behind the disqualification. The letter emphasized, "This is a decision...that honors our rules and protects the special nature of the Original Song and Score categories," as reported by Variety.
Williams had looked forward to the possibility of receiving his first Oscar nomination. Prior to the disqualification, sources had revealed, "Robbie is excited not just for the chance to present his movie to the world, but also to have a crack at the Oscars." His ambitions for this recognition were bolstered by enthusiasm from Paramount Pictures, which had planned promotional efforts for the song.
The disqualification resulted not only in Williams losing the chance for the Academy Award, but it also cut down the shortlist to just 14 songs from which five will earn nominations. The official nominations voting begins on January 8, 2024, using preferential voting to determine the final contenders.
Despite the setback at the Oscars, there remains optimism for Williams as "Forbidden Road" is nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song. Competing tracks include "Kiss The Sky" from The Wild Robot and "Beautiful That Way" from The Last Showgirl. Williams expressed his excitement about this first Globe nod during the Golden Globes First Time Nominees luncheon, stating, "I feel like a brand new artist experiencing new experiences..."
His upcoming film, Better Man, directed by Michael Gracey known for The Greatest Showman, is set for release on December 26. The biopic narrates the compelling story of Robbie's rise from the youngest member of the pop group Take That to his prominence as a globally celebrated solo artist, illustrating the highs and lows of fateful celebrity life.
Interestingly, Williams' character is portrayed by actor Jonno Davies using CGI, creating a uniquely vibrant and whimsical interpretation. Williams will be both heard and seen throughout the film, showcasing his reflections on his life through voiceover and appearances as his older self. This unconventional casting choice, which features Williams depicted as a CGI monkey, was born from the need to break from typical biopic formats.
Regarding his decision to represent himself this way, Williams remarked on The Graham Norton Show saying, "There needed to be a creative difference... so we needed a unique selling point." While he remains excited about meeting fellow nominees at the Golden Globes, Williams noted, "I am as excited as anybody else at meeting famous people. Honestly, on the evening, there'll be an 11-year-old inside me going, 'Oh, guess what? Look who is over there!'"
Williams has been developing Better Man since 2021, and it seeks to capture not just his professional triumphs but the personal battles associated with such staggering fame. The film is crafted from Williams' own perspective, allowing for genuine insight and connection to his artistry.
While this Oscar disqualification marks yet another twist in his illustrious career, Williams' resilient spirit shines through as he gears up for the Golden Globes and the release of Better Man. He continues to remain hopeful and excited about future opportunities, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of his expansive career.
