Oscar nomination for Christian song revoked

In Oscar Nominations for Native-Themed Movies, we heard talk that there was something questionable about Alone Yet Not Alone's nomination. Turns out it wasn't just talk.

Oscars: In shocker, 'Alone Yet Not Alone' song nomination revoked

By Steven ZeitchikCiting direct campaigning that created “the appearance of an unfair advantage,” the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revoked an Oscar nomination for “Alone Yet Not Alone,” the tune from the faith-based movie of the same name that had been nominated for original song.

The academy said that Bruce Broughton, a music branch executive committee member who wrote the song’s music, had emailed members of the branch during the voting period, a rule violation. No new nominee will be named; only four nominees will be eligible for the Oscar.

In a release Wednesday, the academy said the board of governors had made the decision in a vote Tuesday night after concluding that Broughton “had emailed members of the branch to make them aware of his submission during the nominations voting period."

In the statement, academy President Cheryl Boone Isaacs said the actions were a perception problem, though she stopped short of saying that it actually had led to the song being shortlisted. “No matter how well-intentioned the communication, using one’s position as a former governor and current executive committee member to personally promote one’s own Oscar submission creates the appearance of an unfair advantage,” she said.'Alone Yet Not Alone' Oscar nomination rescinded; songwriter reacts

By Elex Michaelson"Right now, I'm frustrated. I'm a little confused. Initially, I was devastated," said Broughton.

Broughton served as an academy governor for 18 years and sent an email asking former colleagues to consider voting for his song.

"I didn't ask anybody to vote for it. I didn't do any campaigning for the film. I didn't do anything that I didn't read in the rules, frankly," said Broughton.

Broughton saw competing songs, like "Happy" from "Despicable Me 2," and others promoted in big money "for your consideration" ad campaigns.

"It's more likely that people would overlook my song since it had no promotion, no marketing, it had no word of mouth," said Broughton.Comment:  It seems like a clear conflict of interest to me. Indeed, people were questioning whether the song even deserved a nomination. I.e., whether Broughton's connections got a mediocre song nominated.