Joni Eareckson Tada issued a statement in response to the surprise withdrawal of her song’s Oscar nomination. As Christian Retailing reported Jan. 30, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences rescinded the Best Original Song nomination for Enthuse Entertainment’s Alone Yet Not Alone due to what the Board of Governors deemed an ethical breach by the nominated song’s composer, Bruce Broughton, who is also a member of the Academy’s executive committee.

“While I can only imagine the disappointment of music writer Bruce Broughton and lyricist Dennis Spiegel in the rescinding of their Oscar nomination, it in no way detracts from either the song's beauty or its message,” Tada said. “I was humbled and honored to have been asked to sing it for the film, and was as surprised as anyone when I learned of the song's nomination.”

“I was grateful for the attention the nomination brought to this worthy song and the inspirational film behind it, as well as to the ongoing work of Joni and Friends to people affected by disabilities,” the Joni and Friends founder added. “The decision by the Academy to rescind the nomination may well bring even further attention, and I only hope it helps to further extend the message and impact of the song.”

In her statement, Tada refused to get upset about the Academy’s controversial retraction.

“Regarding the reasons for the nomination being rescinded, it is not my place to speculate as I have no insights into the workings of the entertainment industry,” she concluded. “I was honored to be invited to sing the song and it will always be a treasured experience.”

• Prev
• Next