Academy Disqualifies Oscar-Nominated Song From Christian Movie "Alone Not Yet Alone"

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced they have disqualified Joni Eareckson Tada from the Best Original Song category after being nominated for her contribution to the Christian movie "Alone Not Yet Alone."

Though she's disappointed in the board's decision, she's not surprised that Hollywood would be resistant to any material focusing on Christian themes.

"If it was for reasons connected with a faith-based message, it shouldn't surprise us that Hollywood would shun Jesus. Jesus has been shunned by much weedier characters."

The Academy sites unfair advantages and preferential treatment from one of the song's co-writers Bruce Broughton as the rational for disqualification.

"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," said Academy president Cheryl Boone Isaacs.

In a recent interview Broughton also expressed his disappointment in the rescinded nomination.

"I'm devastated," Broughton told The Hollywood Reporter. "I indulged in the simplest grassroots campaign and it went against me when the song started getting attention. I got taken down by competition that had months of promotion and advertising behind them. I simply asked people to find the song and consider it."

Here's a video of Tada performing the previous Oscar-nominated song.
 

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