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The Oscar’s governor’s board has voted to rescind the nomination of faith-based film, “Alone Yet Not Alone” from the best original song list due to an unfair advantage by Bruce Broughton. The song by the same title was sung by Joni Eareckson Tada.
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The Hollywood Reporter has a breaking story regarding the recent nomination of the faith-based film, “Alone Yet Not Alone,” which recently was awarded an Oscar nomination for best original song. The Oscar’s Governor Board has rescinded the nomination because of an unfair advantage taken by former board member and film’s songwriter, Bruce Broughton.
Moments after the announcement was made, Broughton said in a statement to THR: “I’m devastated. 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.”
“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 Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the Academy president.
From Entertainment Weekly:
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences didn’t think his actions were so innocent. In a meeting of its Governors Board on Tuesday night, the panel voted to rescind the Original Song nod for Alone Yet Not Alone — only the fifth time in history the Oscars organization has yanked one of its nominations.
What I find highly disturbing is all of the Christian media and Christian leaders who pooh-poohed the idea that Broughton did anything wrong. When secular groups are calling out Christians for impropriety, Christians better take a look at their practices. #Facepalm
I am looking forward to seeing the “Christian” response now!
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“I am looking forward to seeing the “Christian” response now!”
Cry “Persecution” of course.
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Sadly, every single aspect of this story will be taken to justify the “persecution” claim.
Christian movie? Must be persecution.
Rarity of action in the past? Obviously persecution.
Etc. Etc.
Let the deluge begin.
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Time to pass the popcorn and watch the “Christian outrage” unfold!!!
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The thing that struck me is that this has only happened FIVE TIMES in the history of the awards. Apparently, even the shadiest campaigns haven’t gone as far as this man…or they were just more subtle in campaigning; that could be too.
I guess that’s one way to make Oscar history?
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Taunya,
Ever since Last Temptation of Christ, “Christian outrage” has been a part of marketing strategy — self-generating, self-sustaining FREE publicity. And this one feeds right into pre-existing Persecution Conspiracy Theory.
Got any popcorn?
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That’s what happens when you indulge in a campaign with an agenda. Lots of butter on my popcorn, please. Where’s the Pepsi? 🙂
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Guys, didn’t you know “Christians are persecuted more now than any time in history?” This is a direct from one of my close relatives as we sat in her upper class air conditioned home. Our next family get-together will be interesting because they will all commiserate about the “attack on Christian values” that occurred with removing the song. My point of view will be rejected, because- well there won’t be a reason, just that they aren’t open to any other view. At least I will be able to comfort myself knowing their are others out there that can see why it was pulled and yet still be a believer. (I know people who can not accept the idea that person can vote democrat and still be a believer). Go figure! Ann
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So now this can be put to rest. I’m satisfied with the outcome. Politics always drives nominations but the Academy sees a clear conflict of interest. It has spoken & validated the criticism. Good. Maybe this will be a wake up call to Christians or anyone else who wants to game the system. As I said, I’m happy to see the controversy emphatically ended!
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Sheila, I am, too. This behavior should not be tolerated by anyone – and why Christians think they get a free pass for doing shady behind-the-scenes soliciting of support astonishes me. I could not believe all of the comments I read from people who were supporting Broughton – – that he did nothing that was ordinary practice. I don’t care what is ordinary. Christians are to be above reproach and should have the higher standard.
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Ah, Christians. I’m one and I am embarrassed. I’m so glad I left Fundamentalism behind. 10 years later & I never looked back.
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@Taunya:
SInce Last Temptation of Christ, “Christian outrage” has been a proven marketing strategy. Self-sustaining FREE publicity. And this one throws gasoline on all the Christianese Persecution Conspiracy Theories.
Got any popcorn?
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It seems to me that Christians who respond to the Oscar’s Governor Board with outrage and condemnation are simply playing the World’s games. Wouldn’t it not be better to collectively acknowledge that mistakes were made and then apologize?
Besides which, would it not be appropriate for any Christian who cares about this sort of thing to examine the state of their own faith? I suggest that Jesus’ challenge, recorded at John 5:44, applies:
How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? (ESV)
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As HUG says, they already got what they wanted–free publicity. I’m sure their consciences aren’t in the least bit concerned. When the film gets released in theaters, Christians will flock in droves to “support the cause.”
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Ann JANUARY 29, 2014 @ 5:27 PM:
I sometimes have a hard time accepting that some people can be Republicans and believer. The hatred that pours from some, the favoring of wealth over need, and the willful ignoring of the obligations for social justice that are all over both the OT and the teachings of Jesus — these things seem rife in the R party. And those who make a hero out of Ayn Rand rather than Jesus.
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Anon by Choice,
I get what you’re saying and agree about Republicans. I also feel the same way about Democrats. Politics/government aren’t the solution to those problems (eg. see the failure of the “War on Poverty”). Politics/government have exacerbated many of those problems. People need a real change of heart to personally care for the poor (and not expect “the government” or someone else to do it). We also need real justice (equal treatment before the law regardless of wealth, status, race, etc.).
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Broughton has had a pretty impressive career. I think his work is far more deserving of a nomination that the typical 4-chord, predictable pop music that seems to have invaded the arts. Meh. He may have the last laugh. I predict that this song will have a CCLI number before long, and will be available on SongSelect.
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Bystander – do you think he should get a free pass because of his talent? What about wearing the name “Christian” and exhibiting poor behavior that even unbelievers can see as wrong?
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I can’t say that he did anything “improper” because I don’t know anything about the usual process for song nominations. In his own words he admits that he engaged in a simple grass roots campaign. This ain’t his first rodeo, so to speak, so I have to think that he would not have asked the judges to listen to the song if he thought there was anything improper about that. As far as wearing the name “Christian” and exhibiting poor behavior – who decides what constitutes poor behavior? I think I saw some pretty poor behavior on the Grammy Awards show (I turned it off after about half an hour). I try to be careful about issuing blanket indictments of people that I know nothing about. You’ll note that in a previous post I made about the subject, I said something to the effect that just because he wrote the score for the movie does not necessarily make him a reconstructionist or dominionist (terms that seem to me to have fluid definitions).
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Bystander, I think the issue is his connection with the Oscar board and his weight of influence to achieve votes that the song might not have been able to obtain otherwise.
The behavior of what goes on at the Grammy Awards is a completely different topic. I’m talking about a Christian who wrote a song for a faith-based movie and used underhanded methods to seek recognition for his song.
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Ahhh, and there is the crux of the matter…”those who WEAR the name ‘Christian'”…, but ARE they? Yet, this is what the world perceives ‘Christian’ to be…but…sadly, it is not.
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Wonderful news. I am waiting for the inevitable “Christian Americans are so persecuted! Boo hooo” wailing to start on my fb feed. 3….2…..1…
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” . . .reconstructionist or dominionist (terms that seem to me to have fluid definitions).”
Fluid how, exactly? All that occurs to me is fluid like a sewer. Regardless whether the flow is green or brown, free flowing or viscous, you don’t want to be anywhere close to it.
I’m sorry, but I’m acquainted with some people who got involved in this reconstructionist/dominionist business, and it is doing them, and especially their children, no end of harm.
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But can we say that he did anything that others haven’t done? I believe that others who have been up to their elbows in the Academy’s politics have won previous awards. Imagine this: you’re a member of the music division of the Academy and your chore is to listen to some 70 songs and vote for the five you like best. Are you going to vote for a song you don’t much care for, even if this nice old guy asked you to give it a listen? Are you going to actually listen to all 70? Or will you only get to about half of them? I can guess that there is quite a bit of campaigning and schmoozing going on during this process. In my world, if someone says that they are a Christian, I have to give them the benefit of the doubt (unless they tell me later that they really do not believe any of the tenets of the faith, of course). All Christians will eventually do something that someone else thinks is wrong. That’s not the litmus test.
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This is the common thought expressed by Christians wanting to defend Broughton’s behavior. When is it okay to go along with the masses? I thought Christians were to be above reproach. Why are you wanting to defend bad behavior?
If someone is going to call themselves Christian, produce a song for a faith-based film, then you better believe the spotlight is going to be on them. We are all called to separate from the world and try to be Christ-like.
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Gary – I am kind of new to this subject. While I read a lot and am familiar with a wide range of socioreligiopolitical (for lack of better terminology) philosophies and thought patterns, these terms seem to mean different things to different people. For example, I think everyone is capable of being a historical revisionist to an extent.
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JA asked, “Why are you wanting to defend bad behavior?”
I’m not sure I’m defending any behavior, good or bad. I’m saying I don’t know the protocols and the standards for this situation. What does it mean to be above reproach in an industry that often leans toward sleaze? And who is the arbiter of that standard? I guess I could ask why other Christians seem so anxious to brand Bruce Broughton as a cheat.
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http://voices.yahoo.com/the-academy-awards-not-so-hidden-dirty-secret-lobbying-7954766.html?cat=40
According to this nearly three-year-old article, lobbying for Oscar is nothing new at all.
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Oh my – – you guys have got to read these comments from people shocked about the yanking of the nomination. What a bunch of whiners complaining persecution, spiritual warfare, you name it:
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Because as a former Oscar board member, he would know the rules. As someone who is not a board member, I understand integrity and that you do not drum up votes – – – and especially for your own song. It seems pretty obvious to me.
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Bystander,
Thank you for your measured response. There is a fairly good discussion of dominionism, reconstructionism and related movements here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominion_Theology. Maybe a shorthand way of thinking of dominionism and its iterations is that the objective is to replace, or at least subject, the state to the church, though not just to any church. It has to be the church, or so called church, of the particular group seeking dominance. Whatever, the terms dominionism and reconstructionism are technical and specific in nature, and are not used in the general sense that “historical revisionism” is used to describe process, as opposed to a specific movement. The term “Dominionism,” being specific to a recognized movement or category of movements, should not be used, for example, to describe the way in which many (most?) mainstream evangelicals have attempted to exercise political influence through the Republican party. If Broughton really did allow his name to be associated with dominionism/reconstructionism, he was at best ill-advised; at worst he is actually dangerous.
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My, they have a Facebook group for everything.
If I had the time I would do some research into past Oscar Best Song winners and see how many of them were high up in the organization, and so on and so forth. I think the only reason that any of us are even talking about this on SSB is, the movie was produced by people who are involved in the patriarchy/dominionist movement. If anyone is aware of Broughton being connected to Leininger or Phillips in more than a superficial way, I hope they will speak up. Broughton’s lengthy professional resume indicates to me that he is a music industry insider. The lyrics to the song were actually written by Dennis Spiegel; maybe we should be talking about him too?
Gary, thank you for your clarification and for the reference. That really does help me get a better understanding of what we’re talking about. I agree that these movements are dangerous and ripe with potential for abuse.
And speaking of abuse…I must sign off for the evening and make a trip into the big city. I hate having to go to town on a week night.
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I thought Christians were supposed to be salt and light to the world. I was wrong. Some Christians, the only salt they care about is on their popcorn as they seek the glittering lights of Hollywood’s recognition.
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Here is Joni’s response to the decision to rescind the nomination: http://www.joniandfriends.org/blog/oscar-nomination-rescinded/
I’ve got to say – – she is one classy and gracious lady.
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Kudos to Joni!! I love it when the differences between a cult and true Christianity are displayed for all to see. Compare her statements to those of the Vision Forum cult, the difference is night and day.
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What Taunya said!
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An interview with Joni was posted 9 hours ago on Religion News Service. “This is not the time to be wagging fingers.” True, but Joni uses words such as “his error was so small”, ” politics”, “prejudice” and a quote from the Bible about blessing those who persecute us. No one is being persecuted, and I fear that the dumming down and desensitizing in this area is dangerous to the American church. We have brothers and sisters who are dying for their faith in Christ. This is a song….it’s just a song.
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