Robbie Williams' song 'Forbidden Road' was disqualified from the Oscars' Best Original Song shortlist due to similarities with Jim Croce's 'I Got a Name.' Despite this setback, Williams remains upbeat, emphasizing the importance of adhering to rules. The song, featured in his biopic 'Better Man,' retains its Golden Globes nomination, though it did not win. The film uniquely portrays Williams as a CGI chimpanzee, reflecting his life and career.
Robbie Williams' song 'Forbidden Road,' featured in his biopic 'Better Man,' was recently disqualified from the Oscars' Best Original Song shortlist. The decision came after the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences deemed the track to have incorporated material from an existing song, Jim Croce's 'I Got a Name.' Despite this setback, Williams remains unfazed, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the Academy's rules. The song, however, retains its nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes, although it did not secure a win.
Robbie Williams' song 'Forbidden Road,' which was initially shortlisted for the Oscars' Best Original Song category, was disqualified due to its similarities with Jim Croce's 1973 hit 'I Got a Name.' The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has strict rules for the category, requiring that all songs be original and specifically written for the film in which they appear. 'Forbidden Road' was found to incorporate material from 'I Got a Name,' which led to its disqualification. Williams, who co-wrote the song with Freddy Wexler and Sacha Skarbek, acknowledged the decision, stating, 'The rules is the rules, and you have to go by them.' Despite the setback, Williams remains positive, viewing it as an opportunity to skip another party as an introvert [1] [2].
Despite being disqualified from the Oscars, 'Forbidden Road' maintained its nomination for Best Original Song at the Golden Globes. However, the song did not win, losing out to 'El Mal' from the film 'Emilia Pérez.' Williams attended the Golden Globes and addressed the disqualification on the red carpet, reiterating his acceptance of the rules and expressing relief at not having to attend another event. The biopic 'Better Man,' directed by Michael Gracey, uniquely features Williams as a CGI-animated chimpanzee, a creative choice that has divided critics and fans. The film explores Williams' rise to fame, personal struggles, and career highlights, featuring several of his greatest hits [3].
Robbie Williams' biopic 'Better Man' stands out for its unconventional portrayal of the pop star as a CGI-animated chimpanzee. Directed by Michael Gracey, the film covers Williams' journey from his early days in the band Take That to his solo career, including his personal struggles and triumphs. The film features some of Williams' most popular songs, such as 'Angels' and 'Rock DJ.' Despite mixed reactions to the use of CGI, Williams expressed satisfaction with the film, describing it as 'better than I could have ever expected.' The biopic, which opened in select theaters on Christmas, is set for a wider release on January 17, 2025 [2] [3].
Robbie Williams' 'Forbidden Road' faced disqualification from the Oscars' Best Original Song category due to its similarities with an existing song, highlighting the Academy's strict adherence to originality rules. Despite this, Williams remains positive, focusing on his biopic 'Better Man' and its unique storytelling approach. The film continues to capture attention with its innovative use of CGI, reflecting Williams' life and career. As Williams prepares for a European tour and works on new music, he remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, embracing both challenges and successes.
"Listen, the rules is the rules, and you have to go by them." - Robbie Williams
"I went through it, I’m on the other side, it’s all good." - Robbie Williams