Academy Awards Revamp Rules for Best Original Song
After considering just a pair of tunes this year for the Best Original Song Oscar, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revamped its rules for the category, setting a new minimum of five nominees, The Associated Press reports. The final candidates will be determined by the highest number of votes from music branch members, a change from the previous rules that only allowed songs with an average score to be nominated.
The last iteration of the Oscars saw only two songs make the final nomination cut from the original 39-song shortlist, which included tracks by Lady Gaga, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Zooey Deschanel, Willie Nelson and Brad Paisley. “Man or Muppet” from The Muppets won the award.
The 85th Academy Awards will take place on February 24th, 2013.