In December, the biopic “Better Man,” focusing on the life of British pop star Robbie Williams, made its global debut. The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, chronicles Williams’ journey from his early days as a member of the pop band Take That to his successful solo career that began in 1995. Notably, it features a unique twist with Williams depicted by a CGI monkey, a choice that has sparked mixed reactions among critics and fans alike.
Directed by Michael Gracey, known for “The Greatest Showman,” “Better Man” includes some of Williams’ iconic tracks such as “Angels,” “Rock DJ,” and “She’s The One.” The film also showcases an original song titled “Forbidden Road,” co-written by Williams, Freddy Wexler, and Sacha Skarbek. This song was nominated for a Golden Globe and briefly made it to the shortlist for the 2025 Oscars. However, it was later disqualified due to a perceived resemblance to “I Got a Name,” a well-known ballad from 1973.
In a statement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences explained their decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the integrity of the Original Song category. Despite this setback, Williams retained a nomination for a Golden Globe, where he expressed acceptance of the rules surrounding the disqualification, framing it positively as a way to avoid an additional event.
The Golden Globe for Best Original Song was awarded to “El Mal,” co-written for the film “Emilia Pérez,” which also won Best Motion Picture in the musical or comedy category. Looking ahead, Williams is gearing up for a major European tour and is in the process of creating a new album, which he says includes collaboration with Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath.
This biopic and its accompanying music highlight not only Williams’ resilience through personal struggles such as addiction but also his artistic evolution. As he prepares to tour and release new music, fans can look forward to more of his heartfelt contributions to pop culture.
The unique storytelling approach in “Better Man” demonstrates how creativity can evolve, urging audiences to embrace new interpretations of classic narratives. It’s a reminder that even amidst challenges, there is always room for growth and innovation.