Bruce Broughton may be a sore loser, but for a good reason. In a recent controversy, Broughton's song "Alone Yet Not Alone" (for a film of the same name) was removed from consideration at this year's Oscars Awards ceremony.
I published that news here on Classicalite, which stated that Bruce was disqualified for his inappropriate email tactics in promoting his piece.
A former board governor to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, Broughton has since challenged the claim, saying that his emails weren't to abuse his position, but to gain recognition for a film that had a much shorter time period to be considered.
He's also lashed out against current board member and pay-for-hire consultant, one Cheryl Boone Isaacs.
"Why could the current Academy president, [Isaacs], consult on Academy Award-nominated projects like The Artist, The King's Speech and others with a history as an Academy governor that far exceeds mine and at the same time produce the Governors' Ball without having that look like a breach of the same standard?" Broughton asks.
Big Bruce very well has a point in his case, yet the ruling still hasn't been turned over.
The Academy responded to the accusation saying, "[Broughton] took advantage of information that few other potential nominees are privy to."
"As a former Academy governor and current member of the music branch's executive committee, Mr. Broughton should have been more cautious about acting in a way that made it appear as if he were taking advantage of his position to exert undue influence," the statement continued.
Politics aside, the controversy has taken a hit with Broughton's animosity in denial of the Academy's claims.
Should Cheryl Boone Isaacs be denied her claim since she works for pay to help movies like The King's Speech and The Artist receive nomination? Did Broughton abuse his privileges as a former governor to get his song into consideration?
We hope the ensuing feud can be laid to rest as the Oscars gala makes way for its March 2 television premiere.
So, Mr. Broughton, I ask, "Why so serious?"
