“It was an honor to work on this wonderful film and collaborate with a brilliant director like Alejandro González Iñárritu on Birdman. I’m deeply disappointed that the music branch of the Academy did not recognize my score as eligible, even after receiving a detailed cue sheet, a letter from the president of music at Fox studios, and a description of the process from both Alejandro and myself. The disqualification seems to stem from the perception that my score was diluted by the incidental music on the film. I strongly disagree with this idea. The music that people remember after watching the movie is the sound, originality, character, and strength of my score, which seems to be the reason it continues to receive attention, nominations, and awards, which I’m deeply humbled by. Some of the finest composers are members of the Academy and I’m saddened my score didn’t resonate with the decision makers.”
– Antonio Sanchez, Composer – Birdman
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Birdman Score Accolades
Golden Globe Nominee – Original Score
Critics’ Choice Award Nominee – Best Score
Venice Film Festival – WINNNER – Soundtrack Stars for Best Score Award
Hollywood Music in Media Awards – WINNER – Best Original Score | Feature Film
Austin Film Critics Association – WINNER – Best Score
Las Vegas Film Critics Society – WINNER – Best Score
Phoenix Film Critics Society – WINNER – Best Original Score
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association – WINNER – Best Music Score
Chicago Film Critics Association – Nomination – Best Original Score
Houston Film Critics Association – Nomination – Best Original Score
San Diego Film Critics Society – Nomination – Best Original Score
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association – Nomination – Best Original Score
Satellite Awards – Nominee – Best Original Score
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I actually agree with the Academy’s decision. I doubt most people listening to the isolated drum score would have nominated it. Within the context of the movie, it works perfectly. However, does that mean it is a great score? I guess it depends on what you think the point of the award is.
What annoys me though is how the music branch seems inconsistent with the enforcement of these rules. I was pissed that The Artist was not disqualified for using the brilliant score from Vertigo in one of its biggest scenes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2Yc1RNFp_Y
Other movies like The Truman Show and The Piano were disqualified for using other people’s music, but not The Artist. I just find it really unfair for some movies to be penalized and not others.
While Birdman was a superior film on all fronts and I wouldn’t begrudge it a nomination in any category, the score isn’t one of the elements that stood out the most to me. I remember it being effective, but, for at least the original contributions, it’s not something that works as a standalone, which is what the Academy usually awards. It does sound like the Academy’s eligibility rule is dangerously vague, discretionary, subjective, patronizing, and even misguided. Though it wouldn’t have won anyway.
Here’s my statement:
“In support of Antonio Sanchez, the snubbed composer of Birdman I have decided to disqualify the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from any further participation in ineligibility shenanigans. Cut it out! And boo to you! “