Robbie Williams has reacted to the disqualification of his song “Forbidden Road” from the Best Original Song category at the 97th Academy Awards. The track, from Better Man, the biographical film about his life, had initially been shortlisted for Oscar consideration but was disqualified after it was found to contain material from another song.
The movie, directed by Michael Gracey, chronicles Williams’ rise to fame, from his childhood in Stoke-on-Trent to his time in the boyband Take That and his solo career. In an unexpected creative choice, the pop star is portrayed as a CGI chimpanzee throughout the film.
After its release in December, Better Man earned significant recognition, including a nomination for Best Original Song at the 82nd Golden Globe Awards. The song “Forbidden Road” was also part of the initial Oscar shortlist. However, the Academy reversed its decision after determining that the song had incorporated elements from another composition, stating the need to protect the integrity of the rules and category.
Speaking at the Golden Globes, Williams addressed the disqualification with a lighthearted approach. “Listen, the rules are the rules, and you have to go by them,” he told Deadline. “And it would’ve been nice, but as an introvert, it’s another party I don’t have to go to.”
The singer continued, adding that while the news was disappointing, he had already moved on. “I went through it, I’m on the other side and it’s all good. I’m at the Globes, and they’re showing me loads of love,” he said, jokingly thanking the interviewer for “being annoyed on [his] behalf.”
Earlier, Williams had shared his thoughts on being depicted as a chimpanzee in the film. He explained in an interview on The One Show that he embraced the idea when director Michael Gracey pitched it. “Jonno Davies is the actor behind the CGI chimpanzee, me, who does a remarkable, incredible job,” Williams recalled. “It made complete sense to me as soon as he pitched it to me. I don’t know if this film would be as talked-about if it hadn’t had the monkey in it… It all makes sense when you see it.”
Despite the disqualification, Better Man continues to generate conversation, with the film still playing in cinemas worldwide.