Robbie Williams’ “Forbidden Road” was removed from the 2025 Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song because it contained material from an existing song that was not written for the film in which it appeared , better person (Paramount Pictures). Williams co-wrote the song with Freddie Wexler and Sasha Skarbek.
The song has been removed from the list of shortlisted songs on the Oscars website. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will not replace songs on its shortlist. Members of the music branch will select five nominated songs from a shortlist of 14 songs, instead of the usual 15 songs.
The following is a letter sent to members of the College Music Chapter by the Executive Committee of the College Music Chapter explaining the decision:
“Dear Music Club Members,
The shortlisted original song achievement “Forbidden Road” from the film “A Better Man” incorporates material from existing songs that were not written for the film.
The Music Chapter Executive Committee meets and reviews materials. It was determined that the achievement did not meet the eligibility criteria for the original song category of the 97th Awards Rules: an original song consists of lyrics and music, both of which are original and created specifically for the film. [Rule Eighteen, Section 1-B].
As a result, the song was deemed ineligible for the 97th Academy Awards and will be removed from the Oscar shortlist in the Original Song category.
This decision respects our rules and protects the special nature of the Original Song and Score category.
Sincerely,
Music Chapter Executive Committee”
The Oscars operate on a very tight ship. Eleven years ago, nominated songwriter Bruce Broughton violated Academy rules by overzealously promoting his songs. The Academy withdrew the nomination. Years later, an explanation of what happened still appears on the Oscar website: “After the nominations were announced on January 16, 2014, it was determined that Mr. Broughton had engaged in conduct inconsistent with Oscar campaign rules while promoting the song.” On January 29, the council voted to withdraw the nomination, with only four songs included in the final ballot.
“Better Man” was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song on December 9 and continues to receive nominations. A spokesperson for the Golden Globes said: “His song remains eligible under the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards Eligibility and Consideration Rules.” Here’s the relevant provision from the rules: “If the Golden Globes Eligibility Committee determines that the song is a copy of a previous Songs that contain lyrics or music from previous songs (i.e., “samples”) that do not alter the overall originality of the song may be eligible.
better person Will be available in limited quantities on Christmas Day. The film will be released on January 10. director.
