Film Music Reporter

The Board of Governors of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has approved a new rule for the 85th Academy Awards in the Best Original Song category, in which there will now be five guaranteed nominees. According to the Academy, “all voting members of the music branch will receive a reminder list of works submitted in the category and a DVD copy of the song clips. Members will be asked to watch the clips and then vote in the order of their preference for not more than five achievements in the category. The five achievements receiving the highest number of votes will become the nominations for final voting for the award.” The rule change follows this year’s heavily criticized situation where only two songs ended up being nominated in the Best Original Song category. The 85th Academy Awards will be presented on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Dolby Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center.