Robbie Williams has responded with grace to the Academy Awards’ decision to exclude his song “Forbidden Road” from the shortlist for Best Original Song. The disqualification occurred when the Academy’s Music Branch ruled that the song contains elements from an existing track that were not written specifically for his new biopic, “Better Man.” The original song eligibility rules strictly require that all music and lyrics be created for the film.
During the Golden Globes red carpet interview, Williams maintained a positive attitude about the situation. He acknowledged the importance of adhering to the rules, stating, “Listen, the rules is the rules, and you have to go by them.” He humorously added, “And, it would have been nice — but also, as an introvert, it’s another party I don’t have to go to,” reflecting his lighthearted approach to the setback. Williams noted, “I went through it, I’m on the other side, it’s all good,” indicating his resilience.
Although the Academy did not specify the reason for disqualification in their initial communication, a representative later confirmed that the song was found to have similarities to “I Got a Name,” a 1973 track by Jim Croce. Notably, the co-writer of that song, Charles Fox, is one of the governors for the Academy’s music branch.
Despite this disappointment, “Forbidden Road” has maintained its nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, although it ultimately lost to “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez. Meanwhile, “Better Man,” directed by Michael Gracey, premiered in select theaters on Christmas Day, with a wider release set for January 17, 2025. The film takes a unique approach to the pop star biopic genre by employing a CGI-animated chimpanzee to portray Williams, though he lends his voice to the character.
Looking ahead, Williams’ continued achievements and ability to navigate challenges highlight his perseverance and positive outlook in the entertainment industry. With the Golden Globes nomination still in place and a fascinating film on the way, there are plenty of reasons for fans to celebrate his work.