The following statement was released today (Tuesday, 12.23) by Birdman composer Antonio Sanchez about the decision by the Academy’s music branch to disqualify his undeniably brilliant all-percussion score for a possible Oscar nomination:

“It was an honor to work on this wonderful film and collaborate with a brilliant director like Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu 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.”

Birdman score nominations and prizes thus far:

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